Synthetic peptides that inhibit leukocyte superoxide anion production and/or attract leukocytes

摘要

Methods of inhibiting leukocyte O₂⁻ production and attracting leuckocytes using specific peptides are disclosed. These peptides include the proline-arginine (PR)-rich antimicrobial peptide known as PR-39 and truncated analogs thereof. These peptides can be used as medicaments that fight infection by attracting leukocytes to a wound site, yet restrict tissue damage at the wound site caused by excessive oxygen radicals produced by these leukocytes.