Nishioka K, Babcock G F, Phillips J H, Noyes R D
Mol Cell Biochem. 1981 Dec 4;41:13-8. doi: 10.1007/BF00225293.
Tuftsin, a physiological tetrapeptide derived from the Fc region of leukophilic IgG possesses a variety of immunopotentiating properties including the ability to act as an immunotherapeutic agent against the experimental tumors, L1210 leukemia and Cloudman S-91 melanoma. Although the mechanism of action of tuftsin in vivo is not known, several types of leukocytes have been shown to become cytotoxic effector cells following activation with tuftsin. These cells presently include macrophages, natural killer cells, and granulocytes. The possibility that tuftsin can also activate other types of effector cells have not been ruled out. We feel this small peptide has a high potential (largely unrecognized) as an antitumor immunopotentiating agent. It is naturally occurring in man and appears to be relatively non-toxic. Its exact sequence (Thr-lys-Pro-Arg) is known and it can be chemically synthesized. Methods are also available to monitor the levels of tuftsin in body fluids. These properties along with its ability to control infectious disease make this agent one of the more promising immunopotentiators.
促吞噬素是一种从亲白细胞性IgG的Fc区域衍生而来的生理性四肽，具有多种免疫增强特性，包括作为针对实验性肿瘤（L1210白血病和Cloudman S - 91黑色素瘤）的免疫治疗剂的能力。尽管促吞噬素在体内的作用机制尚不清楚，但已表明几种类型的白细胞在用促吞噬素激活后会成为细胞毒性效应细胞。目前这些细胞包括巨噬细胞、自然杀伤细胞和粒细胞。促吞噬素也能激活其他类型效应细胞的可能性尚未排除。我们认为这种小肽作为一种抗肿瘤免疫增强剂具有很高的潜力（很大程度上未被认识到）。它在人体内天然存在，且似乎相对无毒。其确切序列（苏氨酸 - 赖氨酸 - 脯氨酸 - 精氨酸）已知，并且可以化学合成。也有方法可用于监测体液中促吞噬素的水平。这些特性以及它控制传染病的能力使这种物质成为更有前景的免疫增强剂之一。
