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CD14 And A Peptide Thereof For Protection Of Cells Against Apoptosis Boris Tartakovsky, PhD and Ella Naparstek, MD Background CD14 is a 55-kDa protein present on the surface membrane of phagocytic leukocytes and possibly of other cells. It is also present in a soluble form in serum. CD14 is one of the major molecules responsible for the innate host immune response to microbial infection. We have been very much interested by the interaction of soluble CD14 with human lymphocytes and have recently identified a subpopulation of human lymphocytes expressing an intracellular CD14 epitope. Summary of the invention The present discovery is based on our surprising and original finding that soluble CD14 protects human lymphocytes from death, specifically from apoptotic cell death. Moreover, a fragment from within the CD14 molecule that mediates the protection from apoptosis, a peptide of 22 amino acids, has been characterized and synthesized. This peptide was found to retain the anti-apoptotic activity of the complete CD14 protein. Applications Examples of pathological or clinical situations in which blocking apoptosis is essential include, among others, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, immune deficiencies, infectious diseases (including for example, HIV), autoimmune diseases, central nervous system disorders, heart diseases, and aging. Conclusions We have discovered a novel function of the soluble CD14, namely protecting lymphocytes from apoptosis. We have identified, synthesized, and employed the active anti-apoptotic peptide of the molecule. We seek to develop an anti-apoptotic drug based on its amino acid sequence. A patent application, protecting the constitution and use of the peptide, has been filed. 1