tuftsin

Tuftsin is a **naturally occurring tetrapeptide** (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg, abbreviate TKPR), derived from the Fc domain of human immunoglobulin G. It is an endogenous **immunomodulatory peptide** that **stimulates phagocytic activity** and enhances immune responses, particularly by activating macrophages, monocytes, and microglia through binding to neuropilin-1 (NRP1) receptors. Tuftsin induces anti-inflammatory profiles in these cells via the TGF-β signaling pathway, promoting increased macrophage proliferation, differentiation to the M1 phenotype, and production of anti-tumor cytokines such as TNF-α and nitric oxide. Tuftsin exerts **broad immunostimulatory effects**, including enhanced antigen processing and cellular cytotoxicity, and has been investigated for roles in cancer, infection (eg. SARS-CoV-2), and neuroinflammatory diseases like multiple sclerosis. It shows no significant toxicity in preclinical or early clinical studies. Its therapeutic application is constrained by a short half-life, leading to exploration of more stable analogs[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

TKPRThr-Lys-Pro-Argimmunomodulatory tetrapeptide