The invention is directed to a model system for structure-activity relationship
analysis of peptide or protein molecules involved in important biological processes.
Provided by the invention are combinatorial peptide libraries comprising peptides
with a novel "tryptophan zipper" scaffold (trpzip) that forms stable -hairpin
structure in solution. Methods of selecting and using such scaffold are provided
herein, which are useful for mimicking native protein structures and interactions
and designing therapeutic agents. Thus, the invention has profound utility for
biological studies and drug development.
