Casein derived peptides and uses thereof

Abstract

Biologically active peptides that are derived from or are similar to sequences identical with the N-terminus of the αS1 fraction of milk casein. These peptides are capable of stimulating and enhancing immune response, protecting against viral infection, normalizing serum cholesterol levels, and stimulating hematopoiesis. The casein-derived peptides are non-toxic and can be used to treat and prevent immune pathologies, hypercholesterolemia, hematological disorders and viral-related diseases, alone or in combination with other peptides or blood cell stimulating factors.

1 - 176 . (canceled) 
     
     
         177 . A method of preventing or treating a metabolic disease or condition selected from the group consisting of NIDDM, IDDM, hyperlipidemia, and hypercholesterolemia, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a peptide derived from the N terminus portion of alpha-S1 casein. 
     
     
         178 . The method of  claim 177 , wherein said peptide is a fragment derived from the N terminus portion of alpha-S1 casein by fragmentation of alpha-S1 casein. 
     
     
         179 . The method of  claim 177 , wherein said peptide derived from the N terminus portion of alpha-S1 casein is a synthetic peptide. 
     
     
         180 . The method of  claim 177 , wherein said peptide derived from the N terminus portion of alpha-S1 casein has a sequence as set forth in one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-25. 
     
     
         181 . The method of  claim 177 , wherein said peptide derived from the N terminus portion of alpha-S1 casein is a peptide derived from natural casein, in combination with peptides derived from natural non-alpha-S1 casein. 
     
     
         182 - 236 . (canceled)