A high-density lipoprotein-reactive peptide or a foam cell-reactive
peptide as set forth in the following (a) or (b): (a) a peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 1; and (b) a
peptide comprising an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid
sequence as specified in the above (a) by substitution, deletion,
addition, or insertion of one or more amino acid residues and being
capable of specifically binding to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
or withdrawing cholesterol from foam cells. Thus, peptides having novel
amino acid sequences and being capable of specifically binding to HDL
cholesterol or withdrawing cholesterol from foam cells are provided.
These peptides are useful as drugs for various diseases caused by
arteriosclerosis, lipid metabolic errors, and peripheral cholesterosis.