[Tuftsin]

Literature review. The tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) is cleaved off the carrier IgG molecule enzymatically and stimulates the phagocytic and bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and macrophages. The action of tuftsin is mediated by specific receptor sites on the surface of these cells. Its antitumor activity has been shown in vitro as well as in vivo. The influence of tuftsin on the major metabolic processes of the cell (hexosemonophosphate shunt; cAMP/cGMP; Ca++-distribution; redox reactions) is the basis of its mode of action.--The feature of tuftsin and its low toxicity make it a useful agent for immunotherapy.