Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Tuftsin
Introduction
Template:Chembox new Tuftsin is a tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) produced by enzymatic cleavage of the Fc-domain of the heavy chain of immunoglobulin G. It is produced primarily in the spleen.
Function
Function
Its biological activity is related primarily to the immune system function.
Tuftsin binds to specific receptors on the surface of macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes, stimulating their migration, phagocytic, bactericidal, and tumoricidal activity. It also influences antibody formation.
Pathology
Pathology
Tuftsin deficiency, either hereditary or following splenectomy, results in increased susceptibility to certain infections. [1]
Clinical significance
Clinical significance
Tuftsin has been chemically synthesized and it is considered for use in immunotherapy.
History
History
Tuftsin was first identified in 1970 by scientists Najjar and Nishioka[2]. It was named after Tufts University where the peptide was discovered.
References
References
- ↑ Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) 191150 – “Tuftsin deficiency”
- ↑ Najjar V, Nishioka K (1970). ““Tuftsin”: a natural phagocytosis stimulating peptide”. Nature. 228 (5272): 672–3. PMID 4097539.