The present invention provides peptides with a specific affinity for glycosaminoglycan
molecules. These peptides may have any number of functions, including but not limited
to use as inhibitors of glycosaminoglycan-mediated processes, enhancers of glycosaminoglycan-mediated
processes, and as molecular probes to identify the presence of a specific glycosaminoglycan.
Peptides of the invention may be directed against any glycosaminoglycan, including
hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate A, chondroitin sulfate C, dermatan sulfate,
heparin, keratan sulfate, keratosulfate, chitin, chitosan 1, and chitosan 2. These
isolated peptides may have therapeutic uses in the treatment or prevention of diseases
involving infection, inflammatory diseases, cancer, infections, etc. The peptides
may also have other biological functions such as contraception.
