Myelopeptides and their therapeutic use

Abstract

The present invention pertains to peptides comprising 4 to 10 amino acids including X 1 -Pro, Pro-X 2 or X 1 -Pro-X 2 , wherein X 1 and X 2 are independently selected from Lys, Arg, His, Asp, Glu, Asn and Gln, and the other amino acids are independently selected from Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, Nle, Nva, Pro, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Cys, Met, Ser and Thr. Such peptides, including LVCYPQ, FRPRIMTP, VVYPD and VDPP, are obtainable from porcine bone marrow cell culture, and have immunostimulating and anti-viral properties.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A peptide comprising 4 to 10 amino acids including X 1 -Pro, Pro-X 2  or X 1 -Pro-X 2 , wherein X 1  and X 2  are independently selected from Lys, Arg, His, Asp, Glu, Asn and Gln, and the other amino acids are independently selected from Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, Nle, Nva, Pro, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Cys, Met, Ser and Thr.  
     
     
         2 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , which comprises predominantly other amino acids as defined in  claim 1 .  
     
     
         3 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , wherein the N-terminal comprises 1, 2, 3 or 4 amino acids independently selected from Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, Nle, Nva, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Cys and Met.  
     
     
         4 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , including Pro-X 2 .  
     
     
         5 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , wherein X 2  is a terminal amino acid.  
     
     
         6 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , including X 1 -Pro.  
     
     
         7 . The peptide according to  claim 6 , including Z-X 1 -Pro, wherein Z is terminal and one of the other amino acids.  
     
     
         8 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , which is or comprises LVCYPQ (SEQ ID NO. 3).  
     
     
         9 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , which is or comprises FRPRIMTP (SEQ ID NO. 4).  
     
     
         10 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , which is or comprises VVYPD (SEQ ID NO. 5).  
     
     
         11 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , which is or comprises VDPP (SEQ ID NO. 6).  
     
     
         12 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , free from other components of bone marrow.  
     
     
         13 . The peptide according to  claim 1 , in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.  
     
     
         14 . The peptide according to  claim 2 , wherein the N-terminal comprises 1, 2, 3 or 4 amino acids independently selected from Gly, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, Nle, Nva, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Cys and Met.  
     
     
         15 . A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of a viral or bacterial infection, or a disease requiring immunostimulation, in a patient, said method comprising administering an effective amount of a peptide of  claim 1  to the patient.