Description
WKYMVM is a synthetic hexapeptide that exhibits anti-inflammatory and immunostimulatory activities. In vitro, WKYMVM activates formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) receptors, increasing Ca2+ influx. WKYMVM also increases bactericidal activity of neutrophils and phagocytic activity of dendritic cells, especially in subjects with cancer. WKYMVM inhibits production of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increases production of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-17, and TGF- β in animal models of sepsis. In other models, this peptide decreases production of IL-23 and TGF-β in a formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2)-dependent manner, decreasing intestinal permeability and increasing colon epithelial cell proliferation.
References
Kim SD, Kwon S, Lee SK, et al. The immune-stimulating peptide WKYMVm has therapeutic effects against ulcerative colitis. Exp Mol Med. 2013 Sep 13;45:e40. PMID: 24030327.
Kim SD, Kim YK, Lee HY, et al. The agonists of formyl peptide receptors prevent development of severe sepsis after microbial infection. J Immunol. 2010 Oct 1;185(7):4302-10. PMID: 20817875.
Kwan DH, Kam AY, Wong YH. Activation of the human FPRL-1 receptor promotes Ca2+ mobilization in U87 astrocytoma cells. Neurochem Res. 2008 Jan;33(1):125-33. PMID: 17703360.
Kim H, Park JH, Lee EH, et al. Granulocyte function is stimulated by a novel hexapeptide, WKYMVm, in chemotherapy-treated cancer patients. Exp Hematol. 2006 Apr;34(4):407-13. PMID: 16569587.
Lee HY, Kang HK, Jo EJ, et al. Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-Met stimulates phagocytosis via phospho-lipase D-dependent signaling in mouse dendritic cells. Exp Mol Med. 2004 Apr 30;36(2):135-44. PMID: 15150442.
