Method of inhibiting binding of nerve growth factor to p75 NTR receptor

摘要

The present invention relates to compositions which inhibit the binding of nerve growth factor to the p75^NTR common neurotrophin receptor and methods of use thereof. In one embodiment, the compound which inhibits binding of nerve growth factor to p75^NTR comprises, particularly when bound to nerve growth factor, at least two of the following: (1) a first electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys³⁴ of nerve growth factor; (2) a second electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys⁹⁵ of nerve growth factor; (3) a third electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys⁸⁸ of nerve growth factor; (4) a fourth electronegative atom or functional group positioned to interact with Lys³² of nerve growth factor; and (5) a hydrophobic moiety which interacts with the hydrophobic region formed by Ile³¹, Phe¹⁰¹ and Phe⁸⁶ of nerve growth factor.