Recent strides in the development of multifunctional synthetic biomimetic materials through the self-assembly of multi-domain peptides and proteins over the past decade have been realized. Such engineered systems have wide-ranging application in bioengineering and medicine. This review focuses on fundamental fiber forming a-helical coiled-coil peptides, peptide amphiphiles, and amyloid-based self-assembling peptides; followed by higher order collagen-and elastin-mimetic peptides with an emphasis on chemical / biological characterization and biomimicry.

A previously healthy 28-year-old man presented with a rash for 1 month. He had taken griseofulvin for a week prior to rash onset. He had visited two ERs and was given minocycline and valacyclovir, followed by acyclovir, hydroxyzine and low-dose oral lesions were present. Lab test results demonstrated WBC 10.2 K/cmm with 8.4% eosinophils. Perilesional skin biopsy showed spongiotic dermatitis with eosinophils, with direct immunofluorescence positive for subepidermal IgG and C3 depositions consistent with bullous pemphigoid. He was treated with oral prednisone and clobetasol ointment, with improvement.

Treatment of HIV has long faced the challenge of high mutation rates leading to rapid development of resistance, with ongoing need to develop new methods to effectively fight the infection. Traditionally, early HIV medications were designed to inhibit RNA replication and protein production through small molecular drugs. Peptide based therapeutics are a versatile, promising field in HIV therapy, which continues to develop as we expand our understanding of key protein-protein interactions that occur in HIV replication and infection. This review begins with an introduction to HIV, followed by the biological basis of disease, current clinical management of the disease, therapeutics on the market, and finally potential avenues for improved drug development.

Recognize MDMA as a risk factor for acute aortic dissection, especially among younger patients with whom clinicians may not often associate aortic dissection.