Bactericidal activity of tuftsin.

The biological activities of the phagocytosis stimulating tetrapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg are discussed. A brief account on the stimulation by tuftsin of phagocytosis of various particles, including bacteria was reported. Stimulation of bactericidal activity by this tetrapeptide was investigated in vitro as well as in vivo. The potency of tuftsin to enhance blood clearing of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens by mouse peritoneal macrophages was demonstrated. Bactericidal activity and effects of tuftsin on this phenomenon were studied in liver and spleen of mice. Tuftsin stimulates these activities. Same experiments were performed in infected leukemic mice by Serratia marcescens or Escherichia coli. Results on blood clearing and bactericidal activities in liver and spleen were reported and compared to those of healthy and leukemic untreated animals. Tuftsin was found to present interesting stimulatory effects on the bactericidal activity of phagocytes.