Formyl peptide

Formyl peptide is a type of peptide that plays a significant role in the immune system. It is a short amino acid sequence that is recognized by formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) on the surface of certain cells, particularly neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

Structure

Formyl peptides are characterized by the presence of a formyl group (-CHO) at the N-terminus of the peptide. This formyl group is recognized by formyl peptide receptors (FPRs), which are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed on the surface of various immune cells.

Function

Formyl peptides are potent chemoattractants for neutrophils and other immune cells. They are released by bacteria and damaged cells and serve as a signal for the immune system to respond to an infection or injury. The binding of formyl peptides to their receptors triggers a series of intracellular events, including the activation of phospholipase C, the release of calcium ions, and the activation of protein kinase C. These events lead to the migration of immune cells to the site of infection or injury, where they can carry out their immune functions.

Clinical significance

Formyl peptides and their receptors have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including inflammatory diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. They are therefore potential targets for therapeutic intervention. For example, drugs that block the action of formyl peptides could potentially be used to treat inflammatory diseases, while drugs that enhance the action of formyl peptides could potentially be used to boost the immune response to infections or cancer.

See also

• Peptide
• Immune system
• Neutrophil
• Formyl peptide receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor