New synthetic peptide thymosin alpha-MDP-lysine - and similar compounds, useful to treat auto:immune diseases e.g. myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis and AIDs

摘要

The synthetic peptide thymosin alpha1-MDP-Lys(Talpha1-NacMur-L-ala-D-isoGln-L-Lys (I) is new. (I) is a conjugate of natural or synthetic thymosin and the synthetic or natural glycopeptide MDP-Lys. (I) is capable of setting off a specific immune reaction (i.e. specific antibodies) against thymosin alpha1 or the thymosin alpah1-homologous region of other polypeptides. Another synthetic peptide, thymosin alpha1-MDP-(Talpha1-NacMur-L-Ala-D-isoGln) (II), is also claimed. (II) is a conjugate of thymosin alpha1 and the glycopeptide MDP. Also claimed are synthetic peptides thymosin alpha1-haemocyanin (with the exception of thymosin alpha1-keyhole limpet haemocyanin, which is described in Science, Vol. 232, (1986)). USE/ADVANTAGE - The peptides are useful for treating autoimmune diseases (e.g. myasthenia gravis and multiple sclerosis). They also have potential as prophylactic and therapeutic agents against AIDS. The peptides work by antagonising the action of thymosin on T-lymphocyte proliferation. They are readily synthesised in large amounts.