SYNTHETIC PEPTIDES THAT INHIBIT LEUKOCYTE SUPEROXIDE ANION PRODUCTION AND/OR ATTRACT LEUKOCYTES

摘要

Methods of inhibiting leukocyte O2- production and attracting leukocytes 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.