Tuftsin
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| Tuftsin | |
|---|---|
| Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg | |
| Systematic name | L-Arginine, N2-(1-(N2-L-threonyl-L-lysyl)-L-prolyl)- |
| Chemical formula | C21H40N8O6 |
| Molecular mass | 500.593 g/mol |
| Density | x.xxx g/cm3 |
| Melting point | xx.x°C |
| Boiling point | xx.x °C |
| CAS number | 9063-57-4 |
| OMIM | 191150 |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Tuftsin is a tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) produced by enzymatic cleavage of the Fc-domain of the heavy chain of immunoglobulin G. It is produced primarily in the spleen. Its biological activity is related primarily to the immune system function. Tuftsin binds to specific receptors on the surface of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, stimulating their migration, phagocytic, bactericidal, and tumoricidal activity. It also influences antibody formation. Tuftsin deficiency, either hereditary or following splenectomy, results in increased susceptibility to certain infections. Tuftsin has been chemically synthesized and it is considered for use in immunotherapy.
Tuftsin was first identified in 1970 by scientists Najjar and Nishioka[1]. It was named after Tufts University where the peptide was discovered.
