C16 peptide

C16 is a synthetic peptide with the amino acid sequence KAFDITYVRLKF, derived from a functional domain of laminin-1. It acts as a selective antagonist of the integrin αvβ3. The primary therapeutic mechanism of C16 involves the competitive inhibition of leukocyte transmigration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by interfering with leukocyte ligands on the vascular endothelium. This action is intended to reduce neuroinflammation, a critical pathological process in various neurodegenerative disorders. In preclinical studies, C16 has been investigated primarily in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, often in combination with Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), where it has demonstrated the ability to improve functional disability, protect vascular integrity, and reduce neuronal death. Unlike systemic immunosuppressants, C16 does not appear to affect systemic leukocyte counts, making it a targeted approach for neuroinflammatory conditions including multiple sclerosis and ALS/Parkinsonism dementia complex.

Other names

KAFDITYVRLKFC16 peptide (KAFDITYVRLKF)