WO1996038480A1 - Anti-inflammatory thrombospondin-derived peptides - Google Patents

Abstract

An anti-inflammatory peptide is provided having the amino acid sequence of the following general formula (I): R1-X1-X2-X3-X4-X5-X6-R2 wherein: X1 and X5 are selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine; X2, X3, and X4 are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine and arginine; X6 is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine; R1 is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and R2 is selected from the group consisting of NH2, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

Description

- 1 -

Anti-inflammatory thrombospondin-derived peptides

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to peptides having anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, the present invention relates to anti-inflammatory peptides derived from thrombospondin, and their use to treat inflammation in a mammal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inflammation is generally a protective response triggered by tissue injury or destruction. It is characterized physically by pain, heat, redness, swelling and loss of function, and histologically by a complex series of events which include dilatation of arterioles, leakage in capillaries and venυles, exudation of plasma and other fluids, and migration of leukocytes into the inflammatory focus. Although characterized as a protective response, disorders exist in which prolonged or chronic inflammation is undesirable causing extreme discomfort to an inflicted individual as well as prominent tissue damage. Examples of such inflammatory disorders include auto-immune disease, hypersensitivity reactions, rheumatism (such as rheumatoid arthritis), vasculitis, asthma, allergies, rhinitis, gout and tissue-specific conditions such as glomerulonephritis and hepatitis.

There exist today many "anti-inflammatory" drugs which are used to treat the symptoms associated with inflammatory disorders. Included are both steroidal and non-steroidal (NSAIDS) treatments. In considering the value of proposed treatments for any ailment including inflammation, the benefits of the treatment must be compared against any adverse side effects experienced by a given patient. The side effects commonly encountered with the use of NSAIDS, such as the salicylates and related compounds, in treating inflammation include toxicity, gastric and intestinal ulceration, disturbances in platelet function and changes in renal function. Side effects associated with steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment include toxicity, adverse effect on infant growth, development and immune response, and bone fragility in older patients. There exists a need, thus, to develop compounds useful to treat inflammation which are non-toxic, which exhibiti minimal side effects and which are more efficacious than existing therapies. In this regard, it would be desirable to develop an anti-inflammatory derived from a naturally-occurring compound native to the mammalian system thereby minimizing toxic effects.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an anti-inflammatory agent that has use in treating a range of inflammatory conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one of its aspects, the present invention provides a method for treating inflammation in a mammal, said method comprising the step of administering to said mammal an anti- inflammatory amount of a peptide according to formula (I), or a functional equivalent thereof, wherein formula (I) is as follows:

R|-Λ|-Λ.2~Λ-3~-"_'4~X.J~-'*_'6"" 2 (1 wherein:

X, and Xj are selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine;

X₂, X₃, and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine, and arginine; X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine; R, is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid. Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of inhibiting leukocyte accumulation in a mammal which comprises the step of administering to the mammal a therapeutic amount of a peptide of formula (I), or a functional equivalent thereof, wherein formula (I) is as follows:

R₁-X₁-X₂-X₃-X₄-X₅-X₆-R₂ (I) wherein:

X, and X_s are selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine;

X₂, X₃, and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine, and arginine; X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine; R, is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package containing an anti- inflammatory amount of a peptide as defined above, which bears a label instructing use of the peptide to treat inflammation.

These and other aspects of the invention will be described in detail by reference to the following figures in which:

BRIEF REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a bar graph showing dose-dependent increase in airway inflammatory cell infiltration in the rat lung injury animal model; Figure 2 graphically illustrates inhibition of airway inflammatory cell infiltration in the rat lung model of Fig. 1 on administration of increasing concentrations of a hexapeptide in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 graphically illustrates inhibition of airway plasma exudation in the rat lung model on administration of the hexapeptide mentioned in Fig. 2; and

Figure 4 graphically illustrates platelet reduction in the Schwartzmann model on administration of the hexapeptide mentioned in Fig.2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A composition is provided comprising a peptide having anti-inflammatory properties. The term "anti-inflammatory", as it is used with respect to peptides of the present invention, refers to peptides capable of inhibiting or reducing at least one parameter of inflammation including, for example, leukocyte accumulation, plasma exudation, platelet accumulation, swelling, redness and pain. Inhibition of such inflammatory parameters can be determined using appropriate animal models such as the rat lung injury model described herein in which an inflammatory event is caused and inhibition of inflammation is subsequently determined following treatment by measuring a particular parameter of inflammation in comparison to an untreated control.

In a specific embodiment, a composition is provided which inhibits accumulation of leukocytes. As used herein, the term "leukocyte" is meant to encompass white blood cells such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils, cells that may be involved in an inflammatory response. In this regard, it is believed that neutrophils will be the major cell targeted at sites of acute inflammatory response while lymphocytes are the cells most prolific at sites of chronic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory peptides in accordance with the present invention are encompassed by the following general formula (I):

R|-X|-X₂-X₃-X₄-X₃-X₆-R₂ (I) wherein:

X, and X_s are independently selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine; X₂, X₃, and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine, and arginine; X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine; R, is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-inflammatory peptide is represented as Rl- XiSVTXjG-Rl, in which X, and X₅ are independently cysteine or alanine, and R, and R₂ are as defined above. A most preferred peptide, in either blocked or unblocked form, is the hexapeptide, CSVTCG (SEQ ID NO: l), derived from the Type I repeat of thrombospondin; however, peptides which are functionally equivalent to the hexapeptide and to peptides encompassed by formula (1) above, can also be prepared which are useful as anti-inflammatory agents. The term "functionally equivalent", as it is used herein, is meant to encompass peptides which differ from the hexapeptide, and other peptides encompassed by formula (I), by addition, deletion, replacement or modification of one or more of its amino acid residues but which retain the anti-inflammatory property thereof, i.e. the ability to prevent or reduce at least one inflammatory parameter in a mammal. Functional equivalents of the hexapeptide, thus, may include additional amino acid residues at either end which^' do not affect its anti-inflammatory effect. Likewise, one or more of the amino acids may be deleted from the hexapeptide, such as a terminal amino acid, without compromising activity. Alternatively, the hexapeptide can include amino acid replacements of native amino acids such as conservative amino acid replacements, e.g. an amino acid of the hexapeptide may be replaced by an amino acid of similar charge and size such as replacement of threonine with serine, without loss of activity. Non-conservative amino acid replacements are also tolerated, for example, replacement of a cysteine residue by alanine, or replacement of a glycine residue by lysine or arginine. Further, amino acids of the hexapeptide can be modified or derivatized, as described in more detail herein, to yield a peptide which retains anti-inflammatory activity.

In specific embodiments of the present invention, peptides in accordance with formula (I) have the following amino acid sequences:

CSVTCG (SEQ ID NO: 1)

CSVTCR (SEQ ID NO:2)

CSTSCR (SEQ ID NO:3)

CSTSCG (SEQ ID NO:4)

CRVTCG (SEQ ID NO:5)

RCRVTCG (SEQ ID NO: 6)

ASVTAR (SEQ ID NO: 7)

CSVTCK (SEQ ID NO: 8)

CSTSCK (SEQ ID NO:9)

CSRTCG (SEQ ID NO: 10)

CRTSCG (SEQ ID NO: l l)

PCSVTCR (SEQ ID NO: 12)

In another embodiment, the amino acid residues represented by X, and X₂ are both deleted and R, and R₂ are other than an amino acid, i.e. is H or NH₂, respectively, or a blocking group, to provide a blocked or unblocked peptide comprising four amino acid residues. A preferred peptide in this regard is VTCG (SEQ ID NO: 13).

It will be appreciated, of course, that the peptides may incorporate amino acid residues which are modified without affecting activity. For example, the termini may be derivatized to include blocking groups, i.e. chemical substituents suitable to protect and/or stabilize the N- and C-termini from "undesirable degradation", a term meant to encompass any type of enzymatic, chemical or biochemical breakdown of the compound at its tennini which is likely to affect the function of the compound as an anti-inflammatory agent, i.e. sequential degradation of the compound initiated at a terminal end thereof.

Blocking groups include protecting groups conventionally used in the art of peptide chemistry which will not adversely affect the vivo activities of the peptide. For example, suitable N-terminal blocking groups can be introduced by alkylation or acylation of the N- terminus. Examples of suitable N-terminal blocking groups include C,-C₃ branched or unbranched alkyl groups, acyl groups such as formyl and acetyl groups, as well as substituted fonns thereof, such as the acetamidomethyl (Acm) group. Desamino analogs of amino acids are also useful N-terminal blocking groups, and can either be coupled to the N-terminus of the peptide or used in place of the N-terminal residue. Suitable C-terminal blocking groups, in which the carboxyl group of the C-terminus is either incorporated or not, include esters, ketones or amides. Ester or ketone-forming alkyl groups, particularly lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl and propyl, and amide-forming amino groups such as primary amines (-NH₂), and mono- and di-alkylamino groups such as methylamino, ethylamino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, methylethylamino and the like are examples of C-terminal blocking groups. Descarboxylated amino acid analogues such as agmatine are also useful C-terminal blocking groups and can be either coupled to the peptide' s C-terminal residue or used in place of it. Further, it will be appreciated that the free amino and carboxyl groups at the tennini can be removed altogether from the peptide to yield desamino and descarboxylated forms thereof without affect on peptide activity. Of course, N- and C-terminal blocking groups of even greater stmctural complexity may alternatively be incorporated to protect the N- and C-terminal ends of the present peptides from attack provided that the anti-inflammatory activity of the compound is not adversely affected by the incoφoration thereof.

Internal amino acids of the peptide can also be modified by derivatization without affecting anti-inflammatory activity. Such derivatizations can be made to the side chains of the amino acids. For example, the side chains can derivatized by incoφoration of blocking groups as described above. In one embodiment, X, and X₅ are cysteine residues derivatized by addition of the acetamidomethyl (Acm) blocking group.

Another modification that may be incoφorated in peptides of the present invention to yield a functional equivalent is cyclization of the peptide. Cyclization can be effected between both terminal and internal amino acid residues in the peptide. Cyclization can be via a disulfide linkage, for example, between two cysteine residues. Alternatively, cyclization can be via a peptide linkage between the amino and carboxyl groups of terminal amino acid residues of the peptide, or between amino and carboxyl groups of the side chains of terminal or internal amino acid residues.

Other modifications can also be incoφorated without adversely affecting anti- inflammatory activity and these include, but are not limited to, substitution of one or more of the amino acids in the natural L-isomeric form with amino acids in the D-isomeric form. Thus, the peptide may include one or more D-amino acid residues, or may comprise amino acids which are all in the D-foπn. Retro-inverso fonns of peptides in accordance with the present invention are also contemplated, for example, inverted peptides in which all amino acids are substituted with D-amino acid forms. Examples of retro-inverso peptides in accordance with the present invention are the retro-inverso form of the CSVTCG hexapeptide, specifically the D-substituted peptide, GCTVSC (SEQ ID NO: 14), and the retro-inverso form of its Ala derivative, namely the D-substituted peptide, GATVSA (SEQ ID NO: 15).

Acid addition salts of the present invention are also contemplated as functional equivalents. Thus, a peptide in accordance with the present invention treated with an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, nitric, phosphoric, and the like, or an organic acid such as acetic, propionic, glycolic, pyruvic, oxalic, malic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, tartaric, citric, benzoic, cinnamic, mandelic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, p- toluenesulfonic, salicylic and the like, to provide a water soluble salt of the peptide is suitable for use as an anti-inflammatory agent. The peptides of the present invention may be readily prepared by standard, well- established solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) as described by Stewart et al. in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis. 2nd Edition, 1984, Pierce Chemical Company, Rockford, Illinois; and as described by Bodanszky and Bodanszky in The Practice of Peptide Synthesis. 1984, Springer- Verlag, New York. At the outset, a suitably protected amino acid residue is attached through its carboxyl group to a derivatized, insoluble polymeric support, such as cross-linked polystyrene or polyamide resin. "Suitably protected" refers to the presence of protecting groups on both the α-amino group of the amino acid, and on any side chain functional groups. Side chain protecting groups are generally stable to the solvents, reagents and reaction conditions used throughout the synthesis, and are removable under conditions which will not affect the final peptide product. Stepwise synthesis of the oligopeptide is carried out by the removal of the N- protecting group from the initial amino acid, and coupling thereto of the carboxyl end of the next amino acid in the sequence of the desired peptide. This amino acid is also suitably protected. The carboxyl of the incoming amino acid can be activated to react with the N-terminus of the support-bound amino acid by foπnation into a reactive group such as formation into a carbodiimide, a symmetric acid anhydride or an "active ester" group such as hydroxybenzotriazole or pentafluorophenyl esters.

Examples of solid phase peptide synthesis methods include the BOC method which utilizes tert-butyloxycarbonyl as the α-amiπo protecting group, and the FMOC method which utilizes 9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl to protect the α-amino of the amino acid residues, both methods of which are well-known by those of skill in the art.

Incoφoration of N- and/or C- blocking groups can also be achieved using protocols conventional to solid phase peptide synthesis methods. For incoφoration of C-teπninal blocking groups, for example, synthesis of the desired peptide is typically performed using, as solid phase, a supporting resin that has been chemically modified so that cleavage from the resin results in a peptide having the desired C-terminal blocking group. To provide peptides in which the C-terminus bears a primary amino blocking group, for instance, synthesis is performed using a p-methylbenzhydrylamine (MBHA) resin so that, when peptide synthesis is completed, treatment with hydrofluoric acid releases the desired C-terminally amidated peptide. Similarly, incoφoration of an N-methylamine blocking group at the C-terminus is achieved using N- methylaminoethyl-derivatized DVB resin, which upon HF treatment releases a peptide bearing an N-methylamidated C-terminus. Blockage of the C-terminus by esterification can also be achieved using conventional procedures. This entails use of resin/blocking group combination that permits release of side-chain protected peptide from the resin, to allow for subsequent reaction with the desired alcohol, to form the ester function. FMOC protecting groups, in combination with DVB resin derivatized with methoxyalkoxybenzyl alcohol or equivalent linker, can be used for this puφose, with cleavage from the support being effected by TFA in dicholoromethane. Esterification of the suitably activated carboxyl function e.g. with DCC, can then proceed by addition of the desired alcohol, followed by deprotection and isolation of the esterified peptide product.

Incoφoration of N-terminal blocking groups can be achieved while the synthesized peptide is still attached to the resin, for instance by treatment with a suitable anhydride and nitrile. To incoφorate an acetyl blocking group at the N-terminus, for instance, the resin- coupled peptide can be treated with 20% acetic anhydride in acetonitrile. The N-blocked peptide product can then be cleaved from the resin, deprotected and subsequently isolated.

To ensure that the peptide obtained from either chemical or biological synthetic techniques is the desired peptide, analysis of the peptide composition should be conducted. Such amino acid composition analysis may be conducted using high resolution mass spectrometry to determine the molecular weight of the peptide. Alternatively, or additionally, the amino acid content of the peptide can be confirmed by hydrolyzing the peptide in aqueous acid, and separating, identifying and quantifying the components of the mixture using HPLC, or an amino acid analyzer. Protein sequenators, which sequentially degrade the peptide and identify the amino acids in order, may also be used to determine definitely the sequence of the peptide.

Prior to its use to treat inflammation, the peptide is purified to remove contaminants. In this regard, it will be appreciated that the peptide will be purified so as to meet the standards set out by the appropriate regulatory agencies. Any one of a number of conventional purification procedures may be used to attain the required level of purity including, for example, reversed- phase high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an alkylated silica column such as C₄-, C„- or C,_g- silica. A gradient mobile phase of increasing organic content is generally used to achieve purification, for example, acetonitrile in an aqueous buffer, usually containing a small amount of trifluoroacetic acid. Ion-exchange chromatography can also be used to separate peptides based on their charge.

In one aspect, compositions comprising an anti-inflammatory peptide in accordance with the present invention are prepared for use in treating mammals inflicted with any inflammatory condition or disease. Examples of inflammatory conditions that can be treated with the present peptides include, but are not limited to, auto-immune disease such as lupus, rhinitis, gout, rheumatism such as rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, lung immune disorders such as asthma, allergies, hypersensitivity and infection. The term "mammal" as it is used herein is meant to encompass humans, domestic animals such as cats, dogs and horses, livestock such as cattle, pigs, goats, and sheep, and non-domesticated mammals that may be in need of anti-inflammatory treatment.

The anti-inflammatory compositions comprise an anti-inflammatory amount of peptide together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In this context, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable" means acceptable for use in the pharmaceutical and veterinary arts, i.e. a carrier which is non-toxic and which does not adversely affect the activity of the peptide as an anti- inflammatory agent. The term "anti-inflammatory amount" means an amount of the peptide sufficient to inhibit or reduce at least one parameter of inflammation, as described above, in a mammal inflicted with an inflammatory disease condition. Such amounts can be determined using suitable models such as the rat lung injury animal model described in the specific examples herein. In a specific embodiment, the present composition is used to inhibit leukocyte accumulation and comprises a therapeutic amount of peptide. In this context, the term "therapeutic" means an amount of peptide sufficient to inhibit or reduce the accumulation of leukocytes at a site or sites in a mammal where this leukocyte accumulation is associated with a disease condition.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers useful to prepare compositions for jn vivo administration include conventional carriers used in formulating peptide-based drugs, such as diluents, excipients and the like. Reference may be made to "Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences", 17th Ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Penn., 1985, for guidance on drug formulations generally. As will be appreciated, the pharmaceutical carriers used to prepare compositions in accordance with the present invention will depend on the administrable form to be used to treat the inflicted mammal.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the compounds are formulated for administration by intravenous injection and are accordingly provided as aqueous solutions in sterile and pyrogen-free form and optionally buffered or made isotonic. Thus, the compounds may be administered in distilled water or, more desirably, in saline or 5 % dextrose solution. Water solubility of these and other compounds of the invention may be enhanced, if desired, by incoφorating into the composition a solubility enhancer, such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide or chloride, or by preparing the acid addition salt thereof. Lyoprotectants, such as mannitol, sucrose or lactose and buffer systems, such as acetate, citrate and phosphate may also be included in the formulation, as may bulking agents such as serum albumin.

For use in treating individuals with an inflammatory disease condition, precise dosage sizes of the composition appropriate for treatment are established in appropriately controlled clinical trials, and will correspond to an amount of peptide that reduces inflammation, as deteπnined by the reduction of a selected inflammatory parameter, without causing intolerable side effects. It is anticipated that an effective treatment regimen for patients will involve the intravenous administration of dosages in the range of 0.1 μg - 10 g/kg, and more specifically, dosages in the range of 1 μg - 10 mg/kg. It will be appreciated, however, that the exact dosage sizes required to attain the desired anti-inflammatory effect will vary according to the route and frequency of administration. It will also vary with the specific individual being treated and the inflammatory condition with which the individual is inflicted.

For use in treating inflammation in a mammal including a human, the present invention provides in another of its aspects a package, in the form of a sterile-filled vial or ampoule, that contains an anti-inflammatory amount of a peptide in accordance with the present invention, in either unit dose or multi-dose amounts, wherein the package incoφorates a label instructing use of its contents for treating inflammation. In one embodiment of the invention, the package contains the peptide and the desired carrier, as an administration-ready formulation. Alternatively, and according to another embodiment of the invention, the package provides the anti-inflammatory peptide in a form, such as a lyophilized form, suitable for reconstitution in a suitable carrier, such as phosphate-buffered saline.

In a preferred embodiment, the package is a sterile- filled vial or ampoule containing an injectable solution which comprises an effective amount of an anti-inflammatory peptide of the formula, R1-CSVTCG-R2, wherein RI and R2 are as defined in formula (I), dissolved in neutral phosphate buffer (pH 6.5-7.5) to a peptide concentration ranging from microgram to milligram quantities per millilitre buffer.

As an alternative to injectable formulations, the compounds of the present invention may be formulated for administration by other routes. Compositions for topical application, such as eye drops, creams, lotions, or ointments may be useful, as may aerosol inhalable formulations. Oral dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules and the like, formulated in accordance with standard phannaceutical practise, may also be employed. Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail in the following specific examples which are not to be construed as limiting.

Example 1 - Synthesis of the hexapeptide. H-CfAcmVSVTCCAcnO-G

The peptide, H-C(Acm)-SVTC(Acm)-G (hereinafter referred to as the Acm-hexapeptide), was prepared as a single peptide chain by solid phase peptide synthesis using 1.00 mmol scale FMOC chemistry on an FMOC-Gly preloaded 2-methoxy-4-alkoxybenzyl alcohol resin (Sasrin Resin, Bachem Biosciences In., Philadelphia) with an Applied Biosystems 433A peptide synthesizer (Foster City, CA). Derivatized amino acid residues FMOC-Cys(Acm)-OH, FMOC- Ser(tBu)-OH, FMOC-Val-OH and FMOC-Thr(tBu)-OH (Bachem) were incoφorated at the appropriate step of chain elongation.

The peptide-resin was dried under vacuum overnight and cleavage of the peptide from the resin was achieved by mixing a cooled solution of 9.5mL trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), 0.5mL water, 0.5mL thioanisole and 0.25mL 2-ethanedithiol (lmL per lOOmg of peptide-resin) with the peptide-resin for 2 to 2.5 hours at room temperature. The resin was removed by filtration and washed with 1-3 mL of TFA to obtain 8-10 mL of a clear yellow liquid. This liquid was slowly dropped into 45 mL of cold tert-butyl ether in a 50 mL conical polypropylene centrifuge tube and formed a white precipitate. The precipitate was centrifuged at 7000 φm, O°C for 5 minutes (Sorvall RT6000, Dupont), decanted and washed two more times with tert-butyl ether. The precipitate was dried under vacuum and then dissolved in water. The solution was frozen in acetone-dry ice and lyophilized overnight to yield 659 mg of cnide peptide (10 mL). The resulting white powder was dissolved in water, filtered through a 0.45μm syringe filter (Gelman Acrodisc 3 CR PTFE), and purified by reversed-phase HPLC (Beckman System Gold) with a C18 column (Waters RCM 25 x 10) using 1 % TFA in water as buffer A and 1 % TFA in acetonitrile as buffer B. The column was equilibrated with 100:0 buffer A:buffer B and eluted with a linear gradient in 30 minutes at 1 mlJmin to 100% buffer B. Fractions were re-analysed on the HPLC and pooled according to matching profiles. The pure fractions were frozen in acetone-dry ice and lyophilized 12 hours to give a white powder. The unblocked hexapeptide, CSVTCG, was also synthesized as described above. In this case, the cysteine residue starting material was FMOC-Cys(trityI)-OH instead of FMOC- Cys(Acm)-OH.

Example 2 - The Rat Lung Injury Model

An IgG-im une complex-induced rat lung injury model was used to exemplify the anti- inflammatory effects of the present peptides. In this model, antigen, bovine serum albumin (BSA, obtained from Sigma), was injected intravenously (i.v.), and antibody, rabbit anti-BSA IgG (obtained from Organon Technika), was instilled intratracheally (i.t.). Four hours later, parameters of inflammation in the lung were evaluated, including inflammatory cell infiltration and airway plasma exudation.

To establish the rat model of IgG immune complex-mediated lung injury, six groups of animals with 3 rats in each group were used. They were, respectively, instilled intratracheally with:

1) vehicle control (PBS/saline),

2) anti-BSA IgG at 0.5 mg,

3) anti-BSA IgG at l.Omg,

4) anti-BSA IgG at 2.0 mg,

5) anti-BSA IgG at 3.0 mg, and

6) irrelevant control immunoglobin (rabbit IgG) at 2.4 mg respectively.

Dose-dependent increases in inflammatory cell infiltration (see Fig. 1) and airway plasma exudation were observed.

EXPERIMENTAL:

Male Long Evans rats with body weights of 350 - 400 g were obtained. They were housed in plastic cages in a laminar-flow BioClean Duo-Flo unit (Lab Products, Maywood, NJ) and fed ad libitum with rat pellets and water. They were allowed a 5 day acclimation period prior to treatment. a) Intra-venous Administration:

Rats were anaesthetized with pentobarbital (50 - 65 mg/kg, i.p.)(MTC Phannaceuticals). The trachea of each anaesthetized rat was intubated with an Angiocath™ catheter (G18) through the mouth. Anti-BSA IgG (2 mg in 300 μ\ PBS (phosphate buffered saline, pH: 7.4)) was instilled into the airway through the catheter. An equal volume of vehicle solution (300 μ\ PBS) was instilled into the airway of control rats. Immediately following this instillation, BSA (10 mg in 200 μl saline containing 0.1 μCi ^πsI-HSA, human serum albumin obtained from Amersham) was injected intravenously via a penovein. The anti-inflammatory peptide (CSVTCG), dissolved in a small amount of sterile dH₂O and then diluted with PBS to the required concentration, was co-injected intravenously with BSA. Concentrations of peptide tested ranged from 2.5 μg/kg to 2.5 mg/kg. A vehicle-treated immune complex-injured rat was always included in each experiment as a positive control to compensate for variation from batch to batch and day to day experiments. Results were evaluated by comparing the percent changes of the tested animals to their vehicle controls. At least four rats were used in each treatment.

Four hours after introducing the BSA and anti-BSA IgG/peptide solutions, the rat was re-anaesthetized as set out above and a blood sample was withdrawn by cardiac puncture. The rat was then sacrificed by overdose of pentobarbital (50 mg/kg, i.v.). Airways were lavaged by infusion of 4 ml PBS through an intratracheal cannula (PE-240). This wash was repeated 3 times and the lavages were collected and combined for analysis.

Plasma exudation in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was measured using the plasma marker, ^l25I-HSA. This marker was co-injected, at a concentration of 0.1 μC\, with BSA. On conclusion of the experiment, ^,2iI in the plasma and BAL was determined using a gamma counter. Plasma exudation in BAL is expressed as μl plasma/ml of BAL.

Leukocyte infiltration was measured as follows. BAL was spun down (1000 φm for 10 min) and resuspended in a small volume or PBS. Red blood cells in BAL were lysed by combining 1 unit of BAL with 10 units of Turk's solution (obtained from BDH Chemical). Total white cell numbers in BAL were then counted using a haemocytometer. Cell differentials were determined by counting BAL smear slides stained with Leukostat.

The results of these analyses are indicated graphically in Figures 2 and 3. As can be seen, the CSVTCG peptide inhibited plasma exudation and leukocyte infiltration in the airways.

b) Intratracheal Administration:

Intratracheal co-instillation of the CSVTCG peptide and anti-BSA IgG also inhibited plasma exudation and leukocyte infiltration in the airways as shown in Fig. 2 and 3.

Example 3 - The Local Shwartzman Reaction (LSR)

The LSR is a model of vasculitis that is not mediated by immune complex deposition. A thrombo-haemorrhagic event is induced by an initial intradermal injection of endotoxin from gram negative bacteria, followed by a second intravenous injection of the endotoxin (the provocative dose) 18-24 hours later. Thrombo-haemorrhagic lesions develop rapidly following the intravenous challenge. Small veins and venules show microthrombi composed of platelets, fibrin and polymoφhonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). Necrotizing vasculitis develops as the reaction progresses resulting in swollen endothelial cells and extravasation of red blood cells in the surrounding tissue. This model was used to determine the ability of the present peptides to inhibit platelet accumulation.

Female New Zealand white rabbits, weighing 2.5 to 3.0 kg, were used in these studies. They were acclimatized for three days during which time they had free access to commercial rabbit chow and tap water.

The backs of the rabbits were shaved. Endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide Escherichia colj serotype 055:B5 obtained from Sigma), dissolved in sterile saline (Baxter), was injected intradermally into the rabbits at concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg in 0.2 ml volumes. Fifteen minutes prior to injection of the provocative dose, Acm-labelled CSVTCG hexapeptide (l mg/kg dissolved in 3.0 ml saline) was administered i.v. to the rabbits. Control rabbits were given 3.0 ml of saline. All animals received 2.5 ml of ^{π ι}In-platelets (prepared as described below) 5 min before the i.v. endotoxin challenge (provocative dose). The provocative dose (10 μg/kg endotoxin in 2 ml of saline) was administered i.v. 18-20 h after the intradermal injection.

The skin lesions were allowed to develop for 4 hours. Five minutes prior to sacrifice of the animals (by sodium pentabarbital), a blood sample was taken from each animal via cardiac puncture. Following sacrifice of the animals, the skin of the affected area was removed, cleaned and the lesions were punched out with a 17 mm punch. Radioactivity in the blood sample and in the lesions was assayed in a gamma counter (Canberra Packard, Cobra II) yielding readings of counts per minute (CPM). Platelet number/lesion was calculated using the formula:

CPM/site - Background CPM Platelets/lesion = Specific Activity

Specific Activity refers to the specific activity of platelets in the plasma and is calculated by dividing the CPM per ml of the cardiac blood sample by the number of platelets per ml determined using a Coulter counter.

The results are illustrated in Fig. 4 and show that platelet number at the affected site was significandy reduced in animals to which Acm-cysteine labelled CSVTCG hexapeptide was administered.

Preparation of "'In-Platelets:

Anti-coagulant, acid citrate dextrose (7.5 ml), was added to 40 ml of blood taken from the central ear vein of a rabbit. The blood was centrifuged at 1150 rpm for 15 minutes. The platelet rich plasma (PRP) was removed and stored. The remaining blood was centrifuged at 3500 φm for 2.5 min. The plasma supernatant was removed and added to the PRP and then this mixture was centrifuged again at 2800 φm for 15 min. The plasma (PPP) was removed and stored. The platelets were transferred to a second 50 ml tube (leaving the red blood cells behind) and resuspended in 10 ml lx Tyrode buffer, pH 7.4. To this platelet prep (10 ml containing 9.20 x 10' platelets) was added 20 μl of '"In-oxine. The sample was well mixed and allowed to incubate at room temperature for 15 min. with occasional stirring. Following incubation, the sample was diluted to 35 ml with PPP, and centrifuged for 10 min. at 23° C. The supernatant was discarded. The platelets were resuspended in another 35 ml of lx Tyrode buffer and centrifuged. The supernatant was discarded and the labelled platelets were suspended in 5 ml of Tyrode ready for injection as described above.

SEQUENCE LISTING

(1) GENERAL INFORMATION:

(1) APPLICANT: BEAUBIEN, Beatrice BURROWES, Clement E YANG, Zhi-Jie

(ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PEPTIDES

(iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 18

(iv) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:

(A) ADDRESSEE: NIKAIDO, MARMELSTEIN, MURRAY & ORAM

(B) STREET: 655 Fifteenth Street, N. W. , G Streety Lobby,

Suite 330

(C) CITY: Washington

(D) STATE: DC

(E) COUNTRY: USA

(F) ZIP: 20005

(v) COMPUTER READABLE FORM :

(A) MEDIUM TYPE : Floppy disk

(B) COMPUTER : IBM PC compatible

(C) OPERATING SYSTEM : PC-DOS/MS-DOS

(D) SOFTWARE : PatentIn Release Jfl . O , Version Jfl .30

(vi) CURRENT APPLICATION DATA:

(A) APPLICATION NUMBER:

(B) FILING DATE:

(C) CLASSIFICATION:

(viii) ATTORNEY/AGENT INFORMATION:

(A) NAME: Murray, Robert B

(B) REGISTRATION NUMBER: 22,980

(C) REFERENCE/DOCKET NUMBER: P8074-5006

(ix) TELECOMMUNICATION INFORMATION:

(A) TELEPHONE: 202/638-5000

(B) TELEFAX: 202/638-4810

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:l:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 1

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos. 1 may be cysteine or alanine, and may additionally be linked to H, a blocking group or a blocked or unblocked amino

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 2

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos. 2 may be valine, threonine, serine or arginine"

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 3

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos. 3 may be valine, threonine, serine or arginine"

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 4

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos. 4 may be valine, threonine, serine or arginine"

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 5

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos. 5 may be cysteine or alanine"

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 6

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos.6 may be lysine, glycine or arginine, which may also be linked to NH2, a blocking group, or a blocked or unblocked (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:l:

Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 1

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos. 1 is cysteine or alanine, and may be linked to H, a blocking group, a blocked or unblocked amino acid or amino acid

(ix) FEATURE :

(A) NAME/KEY : Modified- site

(B) LOCATION : 5

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "X at pos.5 is cysteine or alanine"

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 6

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "The glycine residue msy be linked to NH2, a blocking group, a blocked or unblocked amino acid or amino acid analogue (such

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:2:

Xaa Ser Val Thr Xaa Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3:

Cys Ser Val Thr Cys Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:4:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: :

Cys Ser Val Thr Cys Arg 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:5:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:5:

Cys Ser Thr Ser Cys Arg 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:6:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:6:

Cys Ser Thr Ser Cys Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:7:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:7:

Cys Arg Val Thr Cys Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:8:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 7 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 8:

Arg Cys Arg Val Thr Cys Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:9:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 9:

Ala Ser Val Thr Ala Arg 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:10:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:10:

Cys Ser Val Thr Cys Lys 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:11:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:11:

Cys Ser Thr Ser Cys Lys 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:12:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:12:

Cys Ser Arg Thr Cys Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:13:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:13:

Cys Arg Thr Ser Cys Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:14:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 7 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:14:

Pro Cys Ser Val Thr Cys Arg 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:15:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 4 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:15:

Val Thr Cys Gly 1

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:16:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:16:

Gly Cys Thr Val Ser Cys 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:17:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: Bingle

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:17:

Gly Ala Thr Val Ser Ala 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:18:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 1

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Cysteine modified by acetamidomethyl (Acm) blocking group"

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Modified-site

(B) LOCATION: 5

(D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Cysteine modified by acetamidomethyl (Acm) blocking group"

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:18:

Cys Ser Val Thr Cys Gly 1 5

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for treating inflammation in a mammal, said method comprising the step of administering to said mammal an anti-inflammatory amount of a peplide of formula (I), or a functional equivalent thereof, wherein formula (I) is as follows:

R₁-X1-ΛJ-X_J-X -X₅-X₄-R₂ (I) wherein:^'

Xi and X₃ are independently selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine; X₂, X₃, and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine, and arginine; X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine; R, is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and R₂ is selected from the group consistmg of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamidc or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said blocked or unblocked peptide is selected from the group consisting of: CSVTCG, CSVTCR, CSTSCR, CSTSCG, CRVTCG, RCRVTCG, ASVTAR, CSVTCK, CSTSCK, CSRTCG, CRTSCG and PCSVTCR.

3. A method as defined in claim 2, wherein said peptide is Rl-X,SVTXjG-R2.

4. A method as defined in claim 2, wherein said peptide is Acm-CSVTC(Acm)-G.

5. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein X, and X_ are deleted, R, is selected from the group consisting of H and a blocking group, and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂ and a blocking group.

6. A method as defined in claim 5, wherein said peptide is VTCG.

7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said peptide is cyclized.

8. A method as defined in claim 7, wherein said peptide is cyclized via a disulfidc linkage.

9. A method for treating inflammation in a mammal, said method comprising the step of administering to said mammal an anti-inflammatory amount of a D-substituted peptide having the amino acid sequence, GATVSA, or a functional equivalent thereof.

10. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein said peptide is administered at a dose of 0.1 μg - 10 milligrams per kilogram body weight.

11. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said peptide is administered intravenously.

12. A method as defined in claim I, wherein said peptide is administered intratracheally.

13. A method as defined in claim 1 , wherein said mammal has asthma.

14. A method of inhibiting leukocyte accumulation in a mammal, said method comprising the step of administering to said mammal a therapeutic amount of a peptide of formula (I), or a functional equivalent thereof, wherein formula (I) is as follows:

Rj-Xi-Xj-Xs-Xj-Xj-Xβ- j (I) wherein:

X, and X₃ are selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine;

Xj, X₃, and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine, and arginine; X_β is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine; R, is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and Rj is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

15. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein said peptide is selected from the group consisting of R1-X,SVTX,G-R2, or a functional equivalent thereof.

16. A package containing an anti-inflammatory amount of a peptide as defined in claim 1, wherein the package bears a label instructing use of its contents to treat inflammation.

17. A package according to claim 16, which is a vial or ampoule.

18. A package according to claim 16, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

19. A package according to claim 18, wherein said carrier is an aqueous buffer.

20. A package according to claim 16, comprising the peptide

or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof.

21. Use of a peptide of formula (I) , or a functional equivalent thereof, for the treatment of inflammation,

Rι~Xι^—X—X₃—X—X₅—Xg—Rj (I)

wherein:

X_! and X₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine;

X₂, X₃ and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine and arginine;

X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine;

R_ is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

22. Use as defined in claim 21, wherein said blocked or unblocked peptide is selected from the group consisting Of CSVTCG, CSVTCR, CSTSCR, CSTSCG, CRVTCG, RCRVTCG, ASVTAR, CSVTCK, CSTSCK, CSRTCG, CRTSCG and PCSVTCR.

23. Use as defined in claim 22, wherein said peptide is

, or a functional equivalent thereof.

24. Use as defined in claim 22, wherein said peptide is

Acm-CSVTC(Acm)-G, or a functional equivalent thereof.

25. Use as defined in claim 21, wherein X_α and X₂ are deleted, R_ is selected from the group consisting of H and a blocking group, and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂ and a blocking group.

26. Use as defined in claim 25, wherein said peptide is VTCG, or a functional equivalent thereof.

27. Use as defined in claim 21, wherein said peptide is cyclized.

28. Use as defined in claim 27, wherein said peptide is cyclized via a disulfide linkage.

29. Use of a peptide of formula (I), or a functional equivalent thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of inflammation,

R_ — X_l~ X₂~Λ3~ X^ ^— X5^— X6^—R₂ ( I ) wherein:

Xi and X₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine;

X₂, X₃ and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine and arginine;

X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine;

R_ is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

30. Use as defined in claim 29, wherein said blocked or unblocked peptide is selected from the group consisting Of CSVTCG, CSVTCR, CSTSCR, CSTSCG, CRVTCG, RCRVTCG, ASVTAR, CSVTCK, CSTSCK, CSRTCG, CRTSCG and PCSVTCR.

31. Use as defined in claim 30, wherein said peptide is

R_J-X_J-S-V-T-X₅-G-R₂, or a functional equivalent thereof.

32. Use as defined in claim 30, wherein said peptide is

Acm-CSVTC(Acm)-G, or a functional equivalent thereof.

33. Use as defined in claim 29, wherein Xi and X₂ are deleted, R_l is selected from the group consisting of H and a blocking group, and R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂ and a blocking group.

34. Use as defined in claim 33, wherein said peptide is VTCG, or a functional equivalent thereof.

35. Use as defined in claim 29, wherein said peptide is cyclized.

36. Use as defined in claim 35, wherein said peptide is cyclized via a disulfide linkage.

37. Use of a peptide of formula (I), or a functional equivalent thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting leukocyte accumulation,

R_—Xj—X₂—X₃ ^—X—X₅—Xg—R₂ (I)

wherein:

X_ and X₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine;

X₂, X₃ and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine and arginine;

X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine;

Rj is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

38. Use as defined in claim 37, wherein said peptide is

Ri-Xi-S-V-T-Xs-G-Rz, or a functional equivalent thereof.

39. Use of a peptide of formula (I) , or a functional equivalent thereof, for inhibiting leukocyte accumulation,

wherein:

X_α and X₅ are independently selected from the group consisting of cysteine and alanine; X₂, X₃ and X₄ are the same or different amino acid residues selected from the group consisting of valine, threonine, serine and arginine;

X₆ is an amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, glycine and arginine;

Ri is selected from the group consisting of H, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the desamino form of said amino acid; and

R₂ is selected from the group consisting of NH₂, a blocking group, a blocked or an unblocked amino acid residue and the carboxyamide or alkylamide form of said amino acid.

40. Use as defined in claim 39, wherein said peptide is

R_J-X_J-S-V- -X₅-G-R₂ , or a functional equivalent thereof .