Efficacy of the hematoregulatory peptide SK&F 107647 in experimental systemic Candida albicans infections in normal and immunosuppressed mice.

SK&F 107647, a novel synthetic dimeric pentapeptide, has been shown to be a potent hematoregulatory agent. The potential for the hematoregulatory factors elicited by SK&F 107647 to confer protection in experimental models of systemic Candida albicans infection was evaluated in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent mice. Prophylactic treatment with recombinant human interleukin-1 (rhIL-1), recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), or the hematoregulatory peptide SK&F 107647 significantly increased survival times in gamma irradiated immunosuppressed as well as non-irradiated immunocompetent mice challenged with a lethal dose of C. albicans. Protection was also observed in athymic nu/nu "nude" mice. Additionally, significant increases in survival in non-irradiated immunocompetent mice dosed by oral gavage were observed. These results indicate that SK&F 107647 can significantly enhance natural host resistance to experimental C. albicans infections both in immunosuppressed and immunocompetent mice.