Tuftsin

Tuftsin
Identifiers
9063-57-4
ChemSpider 21244387
Jmol-3D images Image
MeSH Tuftsin
PubChem 24780
UNII QF5336J16C Yes
Properties
C21H40N8O6
Molar mass 500.593 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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Infobox 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.

Function

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.

Pathology

Tuftsin deficiency, either hereditary or following splenectomy, results in increased susceptibility to certain infections e.g.: caused by capsulated organisms as: H. influenza, pneumococci, meningococci and salmonella.[1]

Clinical significance

Tuftsin has been chemically synthesized and it is considered for use in immunotherapy.

History

Tuftsin was first identified in 1970 by scientists Najjar and Nishioka.[2] It was named after Tufts University where the peptide was discovered.

References

  1. Online 'Mendelian Inheritance in Man' (OMIM) 191150 - "Tuftsin deficiency"
  2. Najjar V, Nishioka K (1970). ""Tuftsin": a natural phagocytosis stimulating peptide" (ABSTRACT PAGE). Nature 228 (5272): 672–3. doi:10.1038/228672a0. PMID 4097539.

See also