Tat-CIRP, a peptide inhibitor, impedes the protein-protein interaction between myeloid differentiation 2 (MD-2), also known as lymphocyte antigen 96 (LY96), and cold-inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP) by binding to MD-2. This disrupts the MD-2 and CIRP interaction as confirmed in co-immunoprecipitation assays. Notably, in vivo studies reveal that Tat-CIRP, at dosages of 10 and 20 mg/kg, significantly reduces infarct volume in both a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and a rhesus monkey model of thrombosis-induced stroke. Additionally, it improves motor function, evidenced by decreased time to manipulate and withdraw food with the affected arm in the primate model.