Peptides and Peptidomimetics as Immunomodulators

Abstract

Peptides and peptidomimetics can function as immunomodulating agents by either blocking the immune response or stimulating the immune response to generate tolerance. Knowledge of B- or T-cell epitopes along with conformational constraints is important in the design of peptide-based immunomodulating agents. Work on the conformational aspects of peptides, synthesis and modified amino acid side chains have contributed to the development of a new generation of therapeutic agents for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The design of peptides/peptidomimetics for immunomodulation in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and HIV infection is reviewed. In cancer therapy, peptide epitopes are used in such a way that the body is trained to recognize and fight the cancer cells locally as well as systemically.

A paradigm shift: Cancer therapy with peptide-based B-cell epitopes and peptide immunotherapeutics targeting multiple solid tumor types: Emerging concepts and validation of combination immunotherapy

“…There are many authoritative reviews of peptides as vaccines and peptidomimetics as immunomodulators. [58][59][60][61] Other advantages of peptide therapeutics include: low cost, higher specificity and potency; due to their superior compatibility with targeted proteins, ability to penetrate the cell membrane, lack of immunogenicity and improved safety profiles.…”

Immunomodulatory effects of the pentapeptide YGSRS on human peripheral-blood mononuclear cells

“…Several types of naturally occurring or synthetic oligopeptides and peptides have been reported to show immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities [1][2][3][4] . Clinically used immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine has a cyclic peptide structure 7 .…”

“…Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of several types of naturally occurring or synthetic oligopeptides and peptides have been reported [1][2][3][4] . We have also found that certain types of peptide antibiotics suppress proliferation and several cytokine productions in mitogen-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) 5,6 .…”

Immunomodulation by hydrolysates and peptides derived from milk proteins

“…). Immunomodulation is necessary to control the consequences of a deregulated immune system, and bioactive peptides represent a potential alternative for disease management, as they have low toxicity and do not tend to accumulate in body tissues (Gokhale and Satyanarayanajois ; Agyei et al . ).…”