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Suppression of in vivo IgE and tissue IL-4 mRNA induction by SDZ 280.636, a synthetic muramyl dipeptide derivative.

Modulation of IgE isotype expression on B cells is one of the numerous effects of muramyl peptides on the regulation of the immune system. A non toxic diacyl glycerol derivative of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), in which the L-alanine is replaced by L-threonine (MDP-Threo-GDP; SDZ 280.636), is currently under investigation as lead compound for the development of an anti-allergic drug. In this report, the modulatory effect of orally administered SDZ 280.636 in a murine model on polyclonally induced IgE levels is described. In this model, mice are injected i.v. with goal anti mouse IgD (GAMD) and challenged three to four weeks later with goal IgG (GIG). Both the primary and secondary immune responses lead to an increase of serum IgE levels. We demonstrate the efficacy of this muramyl dipeptide derivative in selectively inhibiting a polyclonal IgE response in GAMD-primed, GIG challenged mice without affecting the levels of other immunoglobulin classes. It is further shown that the induction of interleukin 4 (IL-4) gene transcript levels in lymphoid organs, which is observed as a consequence of boosting GAMD pretreated mice with GIG, is selectively suppressed in gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) and mesenteric lymph nodes but not in spleen. In contrast, interleukin 13 (IL-13) mRNA levels are not affected by SDZ 280.636. The findings that SDZ 280.636 inhibits polyclonal IgE responses and suppresses IL-4, but not IL-13 mRNA expression point towards differences in the regulatory pathways of IL-4 and IL-13 gene transcription in lymphoid organs. Thus the mechanism of action appears to involve a specific suppression of IL-4 gene transcription in cells occurring in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes which are among the first constituents of the immune system encountered by an orally administered drug.

Animals↗

Synthesis and HPLC analysis of enzymatically cleavable linker consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) and dipeptide for the development of immunoconjugate.

A model compound of anti-tumor agent, segment B of duocarmycin derivative DU-86, was conjugated to tumor-specific antibody via a cleavable linker consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and dipeptide, L-alanyl-L-valine (Ala-Val), to confirm the feasibility of the linker for application to immunoconjugate. The release of segment B from the linker was evaluated by HPLC analysis. When segment B was derivatized to have an amino residue and then linked to PEG through a dipeptide, segment B was cleaved at the peptide bond by a particular enzyme, thermolysin (EC 3.4.24.4), but not by plasmin (EC 3.4.2 1.7.), indicating that certain protease specifically expressed at the tumor site would be capable of peptide-specific digestion and release of anti-tumor agent since a thermolysin-like enzyme has been reported to be expressed at many tumor cells. Furthermore, the results showing that cell extract from G361 human melanoma had an ability to digest the linker peptide while the linker was stable in normal human serum suggested the tumor-specific activation of the conjugated agent. Segment B was conjugated via the linker to murine monoclonal antibody KM641 reactive to GD3 ganglioside to form immunoconjugate and the quantitative release of segment B under the treatment with the enzyme was also confirmed. These results indicate the possibility of double targeting based on both the recognition ability of tumor specific antibody and tumor specific activation of the anti-tumor agents to enhance tumor treatment efficacy and to decrease unwanted side effects.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Immuno-, phagocytosis-modulating and antitoxic properties of dipeptides are defined by the activity of their constituent amino acids.

In experiments on mice and the influence in vitro of the dipeptides GluTrp, LysAsp, LysVal, AspGlu, GluAsp on their constituent amino acids and mixtures on the indexes of specific and non-specific resistance was studied. There is no difference between the dipeptides and their constituent amino acids (excepting Lys) neither in immune, phagocytosis modulating or antitoxic properties. Some amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, methionine and tryptophan) are promising for the effective prevention of diseases that develop as a result of chronic benzene intoxication.

Amino Acids↗

Minimum structure opioids-dipeptide and tripeptide analogs of the enkephalins.

Through a systematic reduction of peptide structure, a series of 25 tripeptide and 5 dipeptide amide and alcohol analogs of enkephalin were synthesized and assayed in vitro on the stimulated guinea pig ileum. Tyr-Pro-Phe-NH2, Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-NH2, Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-ol and Tyr-D-Phe-Phe-NH2 had 20-25% the potency of Met-enkephalin. Four aromatic alkylamides of the dipeptide Tyr-D-Ala were made with benzylamine, phenethylamine, phenylpropylamine and phenylbutylamine. All had full naloxone reversible enkephalin-like activity in the ileum assay. Tyr-D-Ala-phenylpropylamide has about 80% the potency of Met-enkephalin in vitro, and is equipotent with Tyr-D-Ala-Gly-Phe-Met-NH2 in producing analgesia in mice after intraventricular administration. Tyr-D-Phe-NH2 is the smallest peptide to show full intrinsic enkephalin-like activity in vitro, although its potency is very low.

Animals↗

Dipeptide analysis in human urine.

Fractions of dipeptides, obtained from human urine by a combination of cation-exchange chromatography, ligand-exchange chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography, were transformed into their N-heptafluorobutyryl methyl ester derivatives and then subjected to capillary gas chromatography. The profiles obtained indicate the presence of many dipeptides in human urine. For the first time, alpha-Asp-Hyp, Pro-Phe and gamma-Glu-Phe were detected in the urine of healthy individuals.

Chromatography, Gas↗

Rapid screening of urinary proline-hydroxyproline dipeptide in bone turnover studies.

In a recent report [J. Chromatogr. B 678 (1996) 165] a urinary hydroxyproline-containing peptide has been preliminarily suggested as a possible alternative to hydroxyproline (HP) determination in bone resorption studies. For this purpose a simple and practical procedure was developed for a rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay of the peptide in non-hydrolyzed urine samples. Hundreds of randomly selected urine samples were assayed for both the peptide and HP, the latter in hydrolyzed urine, and a high correlation between them was found. The promising results prompted us to search for the postulated biomarker of bone resorption in urine samples of postmenopausal women examined as osteoporosis suspects. As an alternative to the HPLC determination, an equally rapid procedure has been developed for the peptide assay using capillary gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection (FID). By means of a solid-phase and a liquid-liquid phase extraction, involving ethyl chloroformate (ECF) as the derivatizing agent, two dipeptides and some urinary amino acids could be analyzed within 5 min. A high correlation between both HPLC and GC peptide assay was confirmed (r=0.944) and the compound was identified as proline-hydroxyproline (PHP) dipeptide.

Chromatography, Gas↗

A rapid screening system to determine drug affinities for the intestinal dipeptide transporter 1: system characterisation.

PURPOSE: To establish an in vitro system for the rapid assessment of the affinities of potential substrates for the di/tri/oligopeptide transport system (DTS). METHODS: Monolayers of Caco-2 cells were cultured in plastic wells for 7-9 days and the uptake of Gly-[3H]L-Pro, a specific and relatively stable substrate for the DTS was used as an affinity probe. Gly-[3H]L-Pro (50 nM), together with excess L-Pro (10 mM), to suppress uptake of any [3H]L-Pro produced by degradation of the probe, was incubated with the test compound (usually 1 mM) at pH 6 for 3 min. The uptake of radiolabel was determined by liquid scintillation counting. RESULTS: High specific-uptake (> 85%) of Gly-[3H]L-Pro was obtained with cells grown for 7-9 days. Gly-[3H]L-Pro uptake had a substantial active concentration-dependent component (Km of 0.39 +/- 0.02 mM, Vmax of 0.98 +/- 0.04 nmol min(-1) (mg protein)(-1). This process was shown to be specific for the DTS as evidenced by the significant inhibition by compounds reported to be transported by this system and the lack of inhibition by amino acids. The use of low competitor concentrations (1 mM) enabled a range of inhibition values (0-89%) of a series of competitors (amino acids, dipeptides and beta-lactam antibiotics) to be estimated, illustrating that structurally similar compounds can be ranked for affinity to the DTS. CONCLUSION: A screening system, using Caco-2 cells and the dipeptide Gly-[3H]L-Pro as a displaceable probe, was developed to assess a variety of compounds for recognition by the di/tri/oligopeptide transport system. This fully describes the first system that allows structurally related compounds to be ranked on the basis of their affinity for the DTS recognition site.

Algorithms↗

Intramolecular electron transfer in the dipeptide, histidyltyrosine: a pulse radiolysis study.

The technique of pulse radiolysis has been used to investigate the possibility of intramolecular charge transfer in the dipeptide histidyltyrosine, following one-electron oxidation of one of its amino acid residues. The radical anion, Br2.- was found to react with the dipeptide at pH 6.0 with a bimolecular rate constant of 2.3+/-0.2 x 10(7) dm3 mol(-1)s(-1) suggesting that it reacts very selectively with the histidine moiety. Spectral observations at, or close to the end of this reaction show only the presence of a tyrosinyl free radical (TyrO.), however, indicating that fast (>10(6) s(-1) intramolecular charge transfer has taken place between histidine radicals (His+.) and tyrosine (TyrOH). This finding was supported by the direct observation of the rate of formation of TyrO. in experiments with the free amino acids, histidine and tyrosine, under conditions where Br2.- reacted selectively with histidine. The bimolecular rate constant for the reaction between His+. and TyrOH was found to be 2.4+/-0.5 x 10(6) dm3 mol(-1)s(-1). Taken together, the results of the study indicate that His+. is a relatively strong oxidising agent where (E (His+./His) > 770 mV at pH 6.0.

Bromides↗

Development of an intravenous glutamine supply through dipeptide technology.

Glutamine is considered as semi-essential amino acid during catabolic stress. Due to its chemical instability in aqueous solutions during heat sterilization and long term storage, it could not be added to infusion solutions so far. In contrast, the dipeptide glycl-L-glutamine exhibits all properties needed for use as glutamine derivative in parenteral nutrition. It is freely soluble in water and does not decompose during heat sterilization. The peptide undergoes rapid enzymatic hydrolysis after infusion. This results in perfect utilization. Glycyl-L-glutamine is already produced in large amounts by chemical synthesis techniques. Both chemical and optical purity of the dipeptide can be controlled by modern chromatographic methods. Glamin, a newly developed complete amino acid solution, contains 20 g of glutamine per liter in form of glycyl-L-glutamine. Since no additional free glycine is added, no imbalances are created by the amino-terminal amino acid of the peptide structure.

Dipeptides↗

4-toluenesulfonylureido derivatives of amines, amino acids and dipeptides: a novel class of potential antitumor agents.

The screening of a series of arylsulfonylureido derivatives of amines (such as histamine, or dopamine), aliphatic/aromatic amino acids (such as Gly, beta-Ala, Val, Lys, Arg, Phe, Tyr, DOPA, etc.) and dipeptides (such as GlyGly, beta-AlaHis) led to the identification of three derivatives that possess tumor growth inhibitory properties against several leukemia, non-small cell lung, ovarian, melanoma, colon, CNS, renal, and breast cancer cell lines in vitro. The new derivatives were prepared by reaction of 4-toluenesulfonyl isocyanate with (protected) amines, amino acids or dipeptides. The mechanism of antitumor action with these new derivatives is not known at the moment but it may imply uncoupling of mitochondria, as for the structurally related diarylsulfonylurea sulofenur, an investigational anticancer agent.

Amines↗

Model prodrugs designed for the intestinal peptide transporter. A synthetic approach for coupling of hydroxy-containing compounds to dipeptides.

The human peptide transporter, hPepT1, situated in the small intestine, may be exploited to increase absorption of drugs or model drugs by attaching them to a dipeptide, which is recognised by hPepT1. A synthetic protocol for this kind of model prodrugs was developed, in which model drugs containing a hydroxy group were attached to enzymatically stable dipeptides by hydrolysable ester linkages. Furthermore, a number of benzyl alcohols with various substituents in the 4-position of the phenyl ring were coupled to D-Asp-Ala and D-Glu-Ala. Ideally, a prodrug should be stable in the upper small intestine and be converted to the parent drug during or after transport into the blood circulation. Therefore, we investigated the influence of the electronegativity of the substituent in the 4-position of the phenyl ring on stability in aqueous solution at pH 6.0 and 7.4, corresponding to pH in jejunum and blood, respectively. In addition, the influence of the electronegativity of the substituent on stability upon storage was examined. Model prodrugs containing electron donating substituents in the 4-position of the phenyl ring decomposed upon storage, while model prodrugs containing no substituents or electron withdrawing substituents in the 4-position were stable. In aqueous solution (pH 6.0 and 7.4), electron withdrawing substituents in the 4-position decreased the half-life of the model prodrug. These data provide important information on stability of this kind of model prodrugs upon storage and under aqueous conditions. The results may be applied in the rational design of oligopeptide ester prodrugs to obtain prodrugs, which are stable upon storage and have an optimal release profile of the drug.

Benzyl Alcohols↗

An improved procedure for the synthesis of branched polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with the reporter dipeptide Met-betaAla for protein conjugation.

A new and more efficient route to the synthesis of branched PEG for protein conjugation, bearing a reporter dipeptide Met-betaAla, is described, which allows better purification of the final product by ion exchange chromatography. The product has the combined advantages of an 'umbrella-like' branched structure, which allows a better coverage of the protein surface, and the presence of the dipeptide Met-betaAla which has been used to detect the position of PEGylation within the peptide sequence.

Alanine↗

Doxorubicin immunoconjugates containing bivalent, lysosomally-cleavable dipeptide linkages.

Bivalent doxorubicin (DOX)-dipeptides (16a-c) were prepared and conjugated to the monoclonal antibody BR96. The dipeptides are cleaved by lysosomal proteases following internalization of the resulting immunoconjugates. Conjugate 18b demonstrated antigen-specific in vitro tumor cell killing activity (IC(50)=0.2 microM) that was equipotent to DOX with a near doubling of drug molecules/MAb. Size exclusion chromatography showed 18b to be a noncovalent dimer that was formed immediately upon conjugation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

N-aryl-prolyl-dipeptides as potent antagonists of VLA-4.

The design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of N-arylprolyl-dipeptide derivatives as small molecule VLA-4 antagonists is described. Potency against VLA-4 and alpha(4)beta(7) and rat pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed some advantages over the related N-(arylsulfonyl)-prolyl-dipeptide analogues.

Animals↗

Cleavage of L-leucine-containing dipeptides by Clostridium butyricum.

The ability of Clostridium butyricum cultures to hydrolyze three L-leucine-containing dipeptides (Leu-Leu, Leu-Gly and Gly-Leu) in a synthetic minimal medium is demonstrated by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and a labeled dipeptide L-[1-13C]Leu-Gly were used to confirm this activity.

Carbon Isotopes↗

Dipeptide seryl-histidine and related oligopeptides cleave DNA, protein, and a carboxyl ester.

The amino acids histidine (His) and serine (Ser), or amino acids similar to Ser, function together as key catalytic amino acids in the active sites of such diverse enzymes as the serine- and thiol-proteases, lipases, and esterases. Ser and His are also conserved in the intein-extein junctions of the phylogenetically widespread self-splicing proteins and at the N- and C-termini of the homing endonucleases spliced from them. Here we show that the dipeptide seryl-histidine (Ser-His) and related oligopeptides can themselves cleave DNA, protein, and the ester p-nitrophenyl acetate (p-NPA) over wide ranges of pH and temperature. Denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of 5'-end labeled DNA samples incubated with Ser-His reveals a pattern of two bands per nucleotide position, consistent with the generation of both 3'-hydroxyl and 3'-phosphate DNA cleavage fragments, as would be expected of phosphodiester hydrolysis by Ser-His. To the best of our knowledge, Ser-His is the shortest peptide ever reported to show cleavage activity with multiple categories of natural substrates. The amenability of the dipeptide to variation through addition of amino acid residues, either internally or to the C-terminus while retaining its multiple cleavage activities, combined with its reactivity over wide ranges of pH and temperature, demonstrates the evolutionary capacity of the Ser/His dyad and evokes many questions about possible roles it may have played in molecular evolution and its potential role as a core for selection of oligopeptides with enhanced cleavage activities and target specificity.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Synthesis and biological evaluation of prodrug-type anti-HIV agents: ester conjugates of carboxylic acid-containing dipeptide HIV protease inhibitors and a reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

On the basis of substrate transition-state mimic concept of HIV protease, a series of small-sized dipeptide inhibitors containing hydrophilic carboxyl group were designed and synthesized. These dipeptide inhibitors showed good HIV protease inhibitory activity, but their anti-HIV activity was poor. The low antiviral activities of these inhibitors were probably due to their inadequate cell membrane permeability caused by the presence of a free carboxylic acid in the inhibitors. Based on the prodrug concept as well as the combination of two different classes of anti-HIV agents, conjugates of HIV protease inhibitors with a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor were synthesized. Some of these conjugates exhibited excellent antiviral activity compared with that of individual inhibitors. The synergistic enhancement of anti-HIV activities of these conjugates may be due to their ability to penetrate into the target cell and subsequent regeneration of two different classes of anti-HIV agents in the cytoplasm.

Animals↗

Torsion angle based design of peptidomimetics: a dipeptidic template adopting beta-I turn (Ac-Aib-AzGly--NH(2)).

We have attempted to design a model dipeptide (acetyl dipeptide amide, Ac-CA1-CA2--NH(2)) that can adopt specifically typical torsion angles of the beta-I turn (phi(i+1), psi(i+1), phi(i+2), psi(i+2)=-60 degrees, -30 degrees, -90 degrees, 0 degrees ). The key of the design is the combination of constrained amino acids that prefer to adopt the desired torsion angles. We chose Aib (aminoisobutyric acid) as the first residue of which phi and psi angles must be -60 degrees and -30 degrees, respectively. Then, we selected an azaamino acid as the second residue since previous studies have indicated that they prefer to adopt +/-90 degrees of phi angle and 0 degrees or 180 degrees of psi angle. The conformational preference of the resulting Ac-Aib-AzGly--NH(2) is investigated using ab initio methods. The conformations implying beta-I and beta-I' turns are energetically most favorable, as we expected. Thus, we synthesized the designed molecule on the solid phase considering the future generation of combinatorial libraries using an automatic peptide synthesizer. Then, NMR spectroscopy was carried out to confirm their conformational preference in solution was carried out. The results indicated that the Ac-Aib-AzGly--NH(2) adopt beta-I or beta-I' turns in solution forming an intramolecular hydrogen bonding between Ac--C(O) and terminal NH(2). We believe that such a small peptidomimetic template is highly useful for the design of drug candidates and molecular devices.

Dipeptides↗