Inhibition of cutaneous UV light-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha protein production by allotrap 1258, a novel immunomodulatory peptide

Peptides derived from the heavy chain of the HLA Class-I molecules have bee n shown to modulate immune responses both in vivo and in vitro. Using a com puter-aided rational drug design approach, novel immunomodulatory peptides were designed based on peptide 2702,75-85, derived from HLA-B2702, Several peptides were identified which had increased immunomodulatory activity, inc luding peptides RDP1258 and its D-isomer the peptide Allotrap 1258, The pre sent study using Skh/hr hairless mouse skin model evaluated the in vivo eff ects of Allotrap 1258 on acute UVB-induced skin inflammation, Here we demon strate that intraperitoneal administration of Allotrap 1258 1 h prior to UV exposure resulted in significantly diminished levels of UV-induced tumor n ecrosis factor (TNF)-alpha protein production in the epidermis but had no e ffect on other parameters of the acute UV-induced inflammatory response. By virtue of its ability to suppress TNF-alpha protein production, Allotrap 1 258 could prove to be an effective modulator of inflammatory responses.