title: Synthetic macrophage activating peptides derived from the N-terminus of human MCF.
abstract: Recently, we described the purification and N-terminal sequencing of a novel cytokine termed MCF (Monocyte Cytotoxicity Inducing Factor) (1,2). In order to study the interaction of this cytokine with monocytes, we synthesized a nona-peptide GAAVLEDSQ corresponding to the N-terminus of MCF: two truncated peptides, GAAVL and LEDSQ; and the substituted peptide, GAAVLENSQ. The authentic N-terminal peptide is biologically active in the nanomolar range, while substitution of asparagine for aspartic acid at position 7 diminishes biological activity. Biological activity was observed from the C-terminal fragment LEDSQ, but the N-terminal pentapeptide (GAAVL) was devoid of biological activity. Scatchard analysis revealed a single class of saturable high affinity sites. These studies indicate that the N-terminus of MCF is important in interacting with the binding site on monocytes and it may be possible to design synthetic activators and inhibitors of monocyte/macrophage cytotoxicity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Texas Medical School in Houston.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Reyes
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Krudy
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Rosevear
mesh_terms: D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D002460:Cell Line; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016260:Monocytes, Activated Killer / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011485:Protein Binding; D011506:Proteins
chemical_list: D003603:Cytotoxins; D010455:Peptides; D011506:Proteins