Immunomodulatory activity of small peptides.

The activity of the immune system can be modulated by a wide variety of natural and synthetic peptides. Here, Vassil St Georgiev summarizes the actions of some of the immunostimulatory and immunosuppressant small peptides that have shown most promise as therapeutic agents. Some are already in use as vaccine adjuvants or to prevent graft rejection. There are now indications that these peptides may also be of benefit in conditions in which the immune system is compromised, in autoimmune disease and in cancer.