Peptides having four to fourteen residues are disclosed that possess biological activity.These peptides constitute short fragments of the peptide HB-107 (SEQ ID NO:1),which itself is a fragment of the antimicrobial protein cecropin B, and exhibitcell stimulatory, migratory and anti-inflammatory properties. As keratinocytesare especially sensitive to these effects, the disclosed peptides comprisea useful agent for the medical treatment of injury to the skin, such as from diabeticulcers. The peptides also are effective in preventing and reversing skin surfacedamage resulting from various environmental insults. Importantly, the therapeuticeffects of the peptides manifest at concentrations equal to or greater than thoseof peptide HB-107, and thus represent a less expensive, more versatile meansfor developing effective therapies. Methods for the production and use of thesepeptides are also disclosed.
