Peptides derived from a segment of human histone H2A, the segment corresponding to amino acid residues 36-44 of human histone H2A, are capable of reducing or ameliorating the extent of injury induced by noxious stimuli when administered to animals. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of using these peptides are also disclosed. The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention are useful for treating and protecting against inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, for treating and protecting against tissue damage, for inhibiting metalloproteinase activity, and for treating and protecting against diseases associated with the breakdown of extracellular matrix or connective tissues.