Immunomodulatory effect of synthetic peptides corresponding to sequences within the CH2 and CH3 domain of human IgG1.

The Fc region of IgG is known to be the source of small peptides possessing immunomodulatory function. Results are summarized showing the effect of synthetic peptides composed of surface exposed residues of C gamma 2 or C gamma 3 domains on different steps of human B lymphocyte activation cycle. Both the CH2 (289Thr-301Arg) and CH3 (407Tyr-416Arg) peptides as well as the whole Fc fragment enhanced the IgM synthesis of PWM or PMA + CaI activated lymphocytes. This effect was exerted at the early phase of B cell activation. The incubation of separated resting B cells with Fc fragments or CH2 peptides resulted in increase of cell volume and in expression of HLA-DR antigen. On the other hand, LIF production was induced both by CH2 and CH3 peptides. It was also shown that Fc peptides induce IL-1 release from monocytes. The results suggest that the CH2 and CH3 domain peptides exert their effect partly directly, by activating resting B cells, rendering the cells more susceptible to other stimuli; and moreover, by enhancing the humoral response by triggering the release of IL-1.