Design, synthesis and characterization of fMLF-mimicking AApeptides

The tripeptide N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLF) is a potent neutrophil chemoattractant and the reference agonist for the G protein-coupled N-formylpeptide receptor (FPR). As it plays a very important role in host defense and inflammation, there has been considerable interest in the development of fMLF analogues in the hope of identifying potential therapeutic agents. Herein we report the design, synthesis, and evaluation of AApeptides that mimic the structure and function of fMLF. The lead AApeptides induced calcium mobilization and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways in FPR-transfected rat basophilic leukemic (RBL) cells. More intriguingly, at high concentrations, certain AApeptides were more effective than fMLF in the induction of calcium mobilization. Their agonistic activity is further supported by their ability to stimulate chemotaxis and the production of superoxide in HL-60 cells. Similarly to fMLF, these AApeptides are much more selective towards FPR1 than FPR2. These results suggest that the fMLF-mimicking AApeptides might emerge as a new class of therapeutic agents that target FPRs.