A 13-mer NMDA receptor 2B (NR2B) subunit carboxy terminal (1292-1304) derived peptide that specifically binds DAPK1 (death-associated protein kinase 1) in a reversible manner and antagonizes the activated DAPK1-NR2B interaction and the potentiation of nMDAR function with no effect on either the catalytic activity of DAPK1 or the nMDA receptor physiology. Blocks Ca2+ influx through extrasynaptic nMDA receptors (at 50uM) and the blood-brain-barrier permeable version, namely NR2BCT(1292-1304) attached to TAT(47-57) via a spacer (6-aminohexanoic acid) protects cortical neurons from nMDA receptor-mediated insults and reduces brain infarction and improve neurological functions in mice (10mg/kg, i.v.).