WO1998012216A1 - Methionine containing peptides having immunomodulatory effect - Google Patents

Abstract

A physiologically active peptide of formula (I): A-R1-R2-R3-R4-B wherein each variable has the meaning defined in the description at least one of R1, R2 and R3 being methionine and at most one of R1, R2 and R3 being cysteine, the entire peptide sequence containing 3 to 30 amino acid residues. These peptides are absorbable by the epithelial cell lining in a mammal resulting in a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect against disease.

Description

METHIONINE CONTAINING PEPTIDES HAVING IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT

Field of Invention

The present invention relates to non-antigen-specific immunomodulation, including both immuno suppression and immunostimulation. In particular, the invention relates to immunomodulatory peptides comprising methionine amino acid residues, which peptides are capable of inducing an immunomodulatory response in mammals and thereby a therapeutic effect, and uses thereof.

Background of Invention

The immune system, when it is working properly, protects the individual from infection and from growth of cancers. In order to carry out these functions, it must be able to recognise and mount an attack against foreign antigens (including cancer-specific antigens), but not against self antigens present on normal cells throughout the body.

It is possible to stimulate the immune system in order to improve its level of protection. Vaccines, including single-protein antigens such as diptheria toxoid, are widely used to generate immunity against a specific antigen and thus a specific disease. Where general stimulation of the immune system is desired, this can sometimes be achieved with nonspecific agents such as adjuvants, interleukins, interferons, and colony stimulating factors.

Occasionally, the immune system loses its critical ability to distinguish self from non-self. The resulting immunological assault on the individual's own tissues can take the form of autoimmune disease: for example, systemic lupus erythrematosis, Type 1 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis. In such a case, or alternatively where the individual is the recipient of a transplanted organ or tissue, suppression rather than stimulation of the immune response is desirable.

Non-specific down-regulation of the immune response is typically achieved by treatment with corticoster oids, azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus (FK506), rapamycin, or mycophenolate mofetil. Certain im unoglobulins, including the monoclonal antibody OKT3, have also been used for this purpose. Suppression of immunity against a specific antigen, called "tolerance induction", may also be possible. Methods that have been used for inducing tolerance against a particular antigen include intravenous or repeated topical administration of the antigen in dilute form, treatment with a very high dose of the antigen, and oral administration of the antigen..

It has now been found that certain peptides containing methionine amino acid residues have activity as immunomodulators. A surprising property associated with the immunomodulatory activity is that the activity has been found to be immunoinhibitory or immunostimulatory in effect, on the basis of experiments described herein and furthermore, that the immunomodulatory activity has been shown to be indicative of having some therapeutic effect in the treatment of certain diseases, such as cancer and arthritis.

Furthermore, it has been found that when the administration to the epithelial cell lining is by way of oral administration, the administration of the peptides has been observed to correlate with a modulating effect on the growth of tumours.

A further surprising finding is that the oral presentation of "naked" peptides of the invention did not require the inclusion of added transport agents. Thus, the peptides of the invention do not need to be administered in association with transport agents such as delivery vehicles e.g. vesicular delivery systems which are designed to improve delivery to the mucosal epithelial cell lining of the gut.

In addition, it has been found that the amount of peptide required to produce the therapeutic effect by oral delivery can be significantly lower than that required to produce a similar effect when the peptide is delivered systemically, eg by parenteral injection.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective means for treating disease using immunomodulatory peptides.

It is another object of the invention to provide immunomodulatory peptides which can be utilised in the treatment of disease.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and examples.

Prior Art

WO96/01318 purports to describe polypeptides, other than human interleukin 10, having specified characteristics and which are interleukin 10 agonists. Certain of the peptides described contain the amino acid sequence Thr Met Lys.

JP-A2-08151396 purports to describe HLA-oligopeptides and immunomodulating agents containing them. Among the peptide sequences identified is sequence 55 comprising Ala Pro Met Phe.

Statement of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a physiologically active peptide of formula (I):

A-R,-R₂-R R₄-B (I) wherein each A is independently selected from H, a protecting group e.g. ethyl, trityl (Trt), allyl, or t-butyl, or at least one amino acid residue independently selected from the group of amino acid residues having aliphatic side chains, aliphatic hydroxyl side chains, basic side chains, acidic side chains, secondary amino groups, amide side chains, aromatic side chains, and sulphur containing side chains;

R_] is a residue of an amino acid selected from glycine (Gly), proline (Pro), aspartic acid (Asp), arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), tryptophan (Trp), serine (Ser), methionine (Met), cysteine (Cys), and glutamic acid (Glu),

R₂ is a residue of an amino acid selected from cysteine (Cys), proline (Pro), isoleucine (He), methionine (Met), pipecolic acid (Pec), threonine (Thr), and arginine (Arg),

R₃ is a residue of an amino acid selected from cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met), and

R₄ is a residue of an amino acid selected from phenylalanine (Phe), valine (Val), isoleucine (He), proline (Pro), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), glutamic acid (Glu), methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys);

at least one of Rj, R₂ and R₃ being methionine and at most one of R,, R₂ and R₃ being cysteine, with the provisos that when R₃ is methionine

(a) when R_[ is Ala, R^ is not Phe;

(b) when R₂ is Thr, R_| is not Lys; and

each B is independently selected from the group consisting of OH, NH₂, an oxygen or a nitrogen a protecting group, such as ethyl, trityl (Trt), allyl or t-butyl, or at least one amino acid residue selected from the group of amino acid residues having aliphatic side chains, aliphatic hydroxyl side chains, basic side chains, acidic side chains, secondary amino groups, amide side chains, aromatic side chains, and sulphur containing side chains; the entire peptide sequence containing 3 to 30 amino acid residues.

Amino acid residues of A and B independently selected from amino acid residues having aliphatic side chains, aliphatic hydroxyl side chains, basic side chains, acidic side chains. secondary amino groups, amide side chains, and sulphur containing side chains. Suitable amino acids may be independently selected from the groups comprising naturally and non- naturally occurring amino acid residues. Examples of naturally occurring amino acid residues include isoleucine (He), leucine (Leu), alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gin), glutamic acid (Glu), glycine (Gly), lysine (Lys), phenyl alanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), methionine (Met), valine (Val) and histidine (His). Naturally, the skilled addressee will appreciate that naturally occurring amino acid residues means those amino acid residues which are found in peptides and/or proteins of living organisms. The skilled addressee will also appreciate that such naturally occurring amino acid residues may be present in peptides of the invention in chemically modified forms eg including added protecting groups such as ethyl, trityl (Trt), allyl, t-butyl and the like. Naturally, the skilled addressee will appreciate that any protecting group(s) which may be present on the peptides of the invention should be such so as not to substantially interfere with the immunomodulatory properties thereof and hence therapeutic effect thereof.

The amino acid units making up the peptides according to the invention may be in L- and D- form. Generally the amino acid units will be in L- form. For example a methionine residue in D- form may be employed.

Peptides of the invention can be made synthetically, for example by chemical means, or through the use of recombinant DNA technology. Alternatively, peptides according to the invention can be isolated from polypeptides or proteins or the like.

Administration of peptides of the invention by way of, for example, oral administration, intra-tracheal, nasal or parenteral administration gives rise to a measurable modulated immune response, as indicated in the examples herein.

"Epithelial cell lining" is defined as being the cell lining and associated cells thereto which covers the internal and external surfaces of the body, including the lining of vessels and other small cavities. For the purposes of the present invention the epithelial cell lining is regarded as being at least one cell layer in depth and as many as several cell layers deep. Cells included within the ambit of "epithelial cell lining" also includes those cells and specialised lymphoid tissues which are located in or associated with the said epithelial cell lining and which influence the immune response such as T- lymphocytes, B- lymphocytes, enterocytes, NK-cells, monocytes, dendritic cells and cells comprising mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), such as Peyer's patches and the like. Thus, the skilled addressee will appreciate that so-called migratory cells, such as T- and B- lymphocytes which can be regarded as transient resident cells of the epithelial cell lining as defined above are included within the ambit of the definition of epithelial cell lining. The peptides of the invention may be absorbed by the epithelial cell lining in a passive or active sense. For example, the peptides may be absorbed on the cell surface, or actively or passively taken up by cells located on the lumen surface side of the epithelial cell lining , or they may pass inbetween cells located on the lumen surface side of the epithelial cell lining and are taken up by cells located deeper in the epithelial cell lining eg T-lymphocytes or Peyer's patches. The skilled addressee will also appreciate that "absorption" as defined herein also includes the situation wherein peptides of the invention initiate an immune response by interacting with cell surface receptors found in or on the membranes of certain specialised cells located in the epithelial cell lining, such as on enterocytes, and intra-epithelial lymphocytes, without physically penetrating the epithelial cell lining. Thus, the skilled addressee will understand that peptides of the invention may interact with, bind to, pass through or penetrate the epithelial cell lining.

The peptides of the invention are preferably administered by oral, nasal, or intra-tracheal administration in oral, nasal or intra-tracheal dosage forms. It has been found that the amount of a peptide of the invention required to produce a given therapeutic effect when orally administered can be significantly lower than that required to produce the same effect via other types of administration, such as parenteral administration.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an oral dosage form comprising at least one immunomodulatory peptide according to the invention, the at least one peptide being absorbable by the epithelial cell lining of the gastrointestinal tract in a mammal resulting in a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect against disease.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an oral dosage form comprising at least one immunomodulatory peptide according to the invention, the at least one peptide being absorbable by the epithelial cell lining of the gastrointestinal tract in a mammal resulting in a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect against disease wherein the amount of the at least one orally administered peptide needed to induce an observable level of modulated immune response in a mammal is less than the amount of the same at least one peptide administered parenterally and needed to achieve a similar observable level of modulated immune response in the said mammal.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a nasal dosage form comprising at least one immunomodulatory peptide according to the invention, the at least one peptide being absorbable by the epithelial cell lining of the nasal passages in a mammal resulting in a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect against disease.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a nasal dosage form comprising at least one immunomodulatory peptide according to the invention, the peptide being absorbable by the epithelial cell lining of the nasal passages in a mammal resulting in a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect against disease wherein the amount of the nasally administered peptide needed to induce an observable level of modulated immune response in a mammal is less than the amount of the same peptide administered parenterally and needed to achieve a similar observable level of modulated immune response in the said mammal. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an intra-tracheal dosage form comprising at least one immunomodulatory peptide according to the invention, the at least one peptide being absorbable by the epithelial cell lining of the lung in a mammal resulting in a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect against disease.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an intra-tracheal dosage form comprising at least one immunomodulatory peptide according to the invention, the at least one peptide being absorbable by the epithelial cell lining of the lung in a mammal resulting in a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect against disease wherein the amount of the at least one intr a-tracheally administered peptide needed to induce an observable level of modulated immune response in a mammal is less than the amount of the same at least one peptide administered parenterally and needed to achieve a similar observable level of modulated immune response in the said mammal.

Peptides of the invention contain 3 to 30 amino acid residues. Generally, in formula (I), x is 1 and thus the peptide sequence is from 4 amino acid residues up to 30 amino acid residues in length. Preferably, the peptide sequence is from 4 amino acid residues to about 20 amino acid residues in length. More preferably, the peptide sequence is from 4 to 15 amino acids in length (e.g. 4 to 10 or 4 to 9), and, most preferably, from 4 to 7 amino acids in length. For example, the peptide sequences can be 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 amino acid residues in length, with or without protecting groups.

The peptides of the invention may or may not be associated with transport agents as defined herein. Preferably, the peptides of the invention are administered in a "naked" form ie free from added transport agents. Added transport agents are those with which the peptides of the invention are intentionally placed in contact or in association either before, during or immediately after administration and which may serve to improve absorption and or improve the stability of the peptide. Thus, in one preferment there is provided a physiologically active peptide according to the invention free from added transport agents.

Within formula (I), R] to R₄ may be residues of the amino acids selected from the following:

R, selected from Gly, Pro, Asp, Arg, Ala, Trp, Ser, R₂ selected from Cys, Pro, He, Met, Pec, R₃ selected from Cys, Met, R₄ selected from Phe, Val, He, Pro;

at least one of R₂ and R₃ being Met.

For example R] to R₄ may be residues of amino acids as follows:

R_! selected from Gly, Asp, Arg, Ala, Trp, Ser,

R₂ selected from Pro, He, Pec,

R₃ Met,

R₄ selected from Phe, He, Pro; e.g.

Ri selected from Gly, Ser,

R₂ Pro,

R₃ Met,

R₄ selected from Phe, He, Pro.

R] may be other than Ala.

Preferred peptides according to the invention include:

R, selected from Gly, Pro, Asp, Ala, Ser, Met, Glu R₂ selected from Pro, Met, He,

R₃ Met,

R₄ selected from Phe, Val, He, Pro, Tyr, Met, Lys.

More preferred peptides according to the invention include:

R, selected from Gly, Ser, Asp, Ser, Met, Glu, R₂ selected from Pro, He, R₃ Met, R₄ selected from Phe, He, Met, Lys.

Peptides according to the invention may have two of Met and Cys aligned contiguous one to the other as follows:

A-R,-Met-Met-R -B

A-R,-Met-Cys-R₄-B

A-R,-Cys-Met-R₄-B

(wherein A, R,, R_, and B are as defined above), or separated by no more than one amino acid as follows:

A-Met-R₂-Met-R₄-B

A-Met-R₂-Cys-R₄-B

A-Cys-R₂-Met-R₄-B

(wherein A, R₂, R_ι and B are as defined above). Particular preferred peptides according to the invention include those of the formula:

Val Val Phe Ala Pro Met Tyr SEQ. ID. NO. 1 Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro Met Phe SEQ. ID. NO. 2

Ala Pro Met Met Val Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 3

Leu Leu Phe Asp Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 4

Leu Leu Phe Gly Pro met He SEQ. ID. NO. 5

Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro met Phe SEQ. ID. NO. 6 Pro Gly met met Gly Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 7

Leu Ala Phe Glu Pro met Met SEQ. ID. NO. 8

Phe Met He Met Lys SEQ. ID. NO. 9

wherein met denotes the residue of D-methionine.

When A and/or B represent an amino acid residue or a sequence of amino acid residues, the amino acid residue or sequence of amino acid residues can include naturally occurring amino acid residues, such as those described hereinabove or analogues thereof or can include non-naturally occurring amino acid residues, such as synthetic amino acid residues and analogues thereof, or amino acid residues or sequences of amino acid residues including both naturally occurring amino acid residues and/or analogues thereof and non- naturally occurring amino acid residues and/or analogues thereof.

Included within the ambit of the invention are pharmaceutically acceptable salts of peptides of formula (I) or physiologically functional derivatives thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

The skilled addressee will further appreciate that the peptides of the invention will include within their ambit variants of the formula (I) which contain one or more modifications of the peptide backbone and which retain the immunomodulatory properties according to the invention. Such modificiations have been reviewed for example by A.F. Spatola "Chemistry and Biochemistry of Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins"; B. Weinstein, Ed; Marcel Dekker, New York, 1983, Vol 1, Chapter 5; Robert A Wiley βt al, "Peptidomimetics derivated from natural products" Medicinal Research Reviews, Vol 13, No. 3, 327-384 (1993) John Wiley & Sons Inc; and Youe Kong Shue et al, "Double Bond Isoteres of the Peptide Bond" Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, Vol 1 , No. 3, 161-171 (1993) Pergaman Press Ltd.

The peptides of the invention can be administered with or without transport agents. Preferably, peptides of the invention are administered orally, intra-tracheally, nasally, or systemically free from added transport agents. More preferably, the peptides of the invention are administered intra-tracheally, nasally, or orally. Most preferably, the peptides of the invention are administered orally. "Transport agents" includes added means for delivery such as vesicular delivery systems, micro particles, liposomes, and like systems which are designed to carry drugs ( eg peptides) to the epithelial cell lining or endothelial cell lining. "Transport agents" also includes chemicals or additional peptide sequences which may form an association with, or are fused to, or are complexed with the peptides and which help to maintain physiological integrity of peptide sequences of the invention, for example, presenting the peptides in a prepro- or pro- form or fusing the peptides to carrier proteins, eg glucosyl transf erase, or complexed to chemical agents, such as cyclodextrins and the like. Preferably, peptides of the invention are administered to the recipient as free peptides along with the usual adjuvants, excipients and diluents commonly found in pharmaceutical formulations. Thus, peptides of the invention can be delivered by oral or systemic administration in simple oral or systemic formulations comprising adjuvants, diluents and excipients commonly employed in oral and systemic dosage forms. Preferably, the peptides are administered in an oral dosage form free from added transport agents.

Mucosal associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is also found in the epithelial cell linings of the gastrointestinal tract, ie, oesophagous, stomach, duodenum, ileum, and colon; bronchiole linings in the lung; and in the linings of the nasal passages. Without the intention of being bound by theory, it is thought that the peptides of the invention interact with MALT and thereby set in train a sequence of im unomodulating events which results in a therapeutic effect against certain diseases.

The immunomodulatory response can be immunoinhibitory or immunostimulatory in effect. The immunomodulatory response has been shown to be indicative for therapy against cancer. The peptides of the invention having an immunomodulatory effect are indicated as being advantageous in the treatment of cancers of mesenchymal origin such as sarcoma, eg, fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarco ma, osteogenic sarcoma or chordo sarcoma, angiosarcoma, endotheliosarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma. synoviosarcoma or meso theliosarcoma; leukemias and lymphomas such as granulocytic leukemia, monocytic leukemia, lymphocytic leukemia, malignant lymphoma, plasmocytoma, reticulum cell sarcoma or Hodgkins disease; sarcomas like leiomysarcoma or rhabdomysarcoma, tumours of epithelial origin (Carcinomas) such as squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, medullary carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatoma-liver cell carcinoma, bile duct carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, papillary carcinoma, transitional cell carcinoma choriocarcinoma, semonoma or embryonal carcinoma; and tumours of the central nervous system like glioma, meningoma, medulloblastoma, schwannoma or ependymoma. Peptides of the invention are indicated on the basis of their activity for the treatment of malignancies such as melanoma, mammary carcinoma, gastrointestinal carcinoma such as colonic carcinomas, glioma, bladder carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the neck and head region. Furthermore, peptides according to the invention are indicated for therapy in the treatment of acute and/or chronic infections associated with autoimmune disease and autoimmune disease per se such as non-obese diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus. sclerodermia, Sjδgren's syndrome, dermatomyositis or multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, artheriosclerosis, and psoriasis, asthma, rhinitis, fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, hepatitis, post- infectious anergy, acquired immune deficiency diseases such as AIDS, HIV and post traumatic immunological anergy.

The peptides according to the present invention may, if appropriate, be used together with a traditional therapy regime, such as with methotrexate (MTX).

Moreover, the peptides according to the present invention, being immunomodulatory in action, may be advantageously employed as adjuvants in various forms of vaccine preparations and in formulations designed to inhibit rejection of organs in transplants.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of inducing a modulated immune response in a mammal which comprises administering to the epithelial cell lining of the mammal a dose of a peptide according to the invention, enough to induce said modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of inducing a modulated immune response in a mammal which comprises 1 ) identifying a mammal in need of modulation of its immune response and 2) administering to at least one epithelial cell lining of the mammal a dose of a peptide according to the invention, enough to induce said immunomodulatory response and thereby a therapeutic effect. Preferably, the epithelial cell lining to which the peptide is administered is the epithelial cell lining of the gastroinestinal tract. Most preferably, the peptide is administered to the MALT.

In a preferment there is provided a method of inducing a modulated immune response in a mammal which comprises administering to MALT of the mammal a dose of a peptide according to the invention, said peptide being free from added transport agents and being sufficient to induce said modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided use of a peptide according to the invention, in the preparation of a medicament suitable for the treatment of disease. Particular forms of cancer which may be treated with peptides of the invention are listed hereinabove.

The peptides according to the invention may be used in combination with surgery, pre-, or 5 more preferably, post-operationally.

In a preferment, there is provided use of a peptide according to the invention free from added transport agents in the preparation of a medicament suitable for the treatment of disease, in particular cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.

10

In a further embodiment of the invention there is provided a method of making a peptide of the invention by a chemical process in which individual amino acid residues or fragments of peptides of the invention are joined to form peptide bonds and wherein protecting groups are employed at the beginning and/ or end of the process.

15

In another embodiment of the invention there is provided as a further alternative aspect of the invention a physiologically active peptide according to the invention, preferably free from added transport agents, for use in therapy, for example, in cancer or rheumatoid arthritis therapy. In a preferment, there is provided a peptide of the invention for use in 20 therapy, for example in cancer therapy or rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

The amount of a peptide according to the invention which is required in cancer or rheumatoid arthritis therapy will, of course, vary and is ultimately at the discretion of the medical or veterinary practitioner. The factors to be considered include the condition being

25 treated, the route of administration, and nature of the formulation, the mammal's body weight, surface area, age, and general condition and the particular peptide to be administered. A suitable effective dose of peptides of the invention generally lies in the range of from about 0.0001 μmol/kg to about lOOOμmol/kg bodyweight, preferably from about 0.003 to about 300 μmol/kg body weight, e.g. in the range of from about 0.001 to

30 100 μmol/kg bodyweight, for example, 0.03 to 3.0 μmol/kg bodyweight. The total dose may be given as a single dose or multiple doses, e.g two to six times per day. For example, for a 75 kg mammal (e.g. a human) the dose range would be about 2.25 μmol/kg/day to 225 μmol/kg/day and a typical dose could be about 100 μmol of peptide. If discrete multiple doses are indicated treatment might typically be 25 μmol of a peptide of the invention given up to 4 times per day. In an alternative administrative regimen, peptides of the invention may be given on alternate days or even once or twice a week. The skilled addressee will appreciate that an appropriate administrative regimen would be at the discretion of the physician or veterinary practitioner.

Whilst it is possible for the active peptide to be administered alone, it may be preferable to present the active peptide in a pharmaceutical formulation. Formulations of the present invention, for medical use, comprise a peptide of the invention or a salt thereof together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and optionally other therapeutic ingredients. The carrier(s) should be pharmaceutically acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and substantially non-deleterious to the recipient thereof. The skilled addressee will appreciate that free acid addition salts (e.g. hydro-halo salts) of peptides referred to herein as well as base salts are encompassed within the ambit of the invention. Most preferably the salts will be pharmaceutically acceptable.

Suitable acid addition salts include those formed from hydrochloric, hydrobromic, nitric, perchloric, sulphuric, citric, tartaric, phosphoric, lactic, benzoic, glutamic, oxalic, aspartic, pyruvic, acetic, succinic, fumaric, maleic, oxaloacetic, isethionic, stearic, phthalic, methanesulphonic, p-toluene sulphonic, benzenesulphonic, lactobionic, glucuronic and trifluoracetic acids. Suitable base salts include inorganic base salts such as alkali metal (e.g. sodium and potassium) salts and alkaline earth metal (e.g. calcium) salts; organic base salts e.g. phenylethylbenzylamine, dibenzylethylenediamine, ethanolamine and diethanolamine salts; and amino acid salts e.g. lysine and arginine. Most preferably, the salts will be pharmaceutically acceptable. The present invention, therefore, further provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a peptide of the invention together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

Naturally, the skilled addressee will appreciate that any pharmaceutical formulation comprising a peptide of the invention can include more than one peptide of the invention. Thus, a pharmaceutical formulation may comprise at least two peptides of the invention or a cocktail of peptides of the invention.

There is also provided a method for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising bringing into association one or more peptides of the invention, or a physiologically functional derivative thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

The peptides of the invention and physiologically functional derivatives thereof may be administered by any route appropriate to the condition to be treated, suitable routes including oral, intra-tracheal, rectal, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), vaginal, and parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal, intrathecal, intraperitoneal, and epidural). It will be appreciated that the route may vary with, for example, the condition of the recipient. Preferred formulations are those suitable for oral, nasal or intra-tracheal administration. Most preferred formulations are those suitable for oral administration.

Formulations for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising the peptide(s) in a flavoured basis, usually sucrose and acacia and tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and mouth washes comprising the peptide(s) in a suitable liquid carrier.

Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets, tablets, lozenges comprising the peptide(s) in a flavoured base, usually sucrose and acacia and tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient(s) in an inert base such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and mouth washes comprising the active ingredient(s) in a suitable liquid carrier. Each formulation generally contains a predetermined amount of the active peptide(s); as a powder or granules; or a solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid such as a syrup, an elixir, an emulsion or draught and the like.

A tablet may be made by compression or moulding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the active peptide(s) in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, (eg povidone, gelatin, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), lubricant, inert diluent, preservative, disintegrant (e.g. sodium starch glycollate, cross-linked povidone, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), surface active or dispersing agent. Moulded tablets may be made by moulding in a suitable machine a mixture of the powdered peptide(s) moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredient therein using, for example, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose in varying proportions to provide the desired release profile.

A syrup may be made by adding the active peptide(s) to a concentrated, aqueous solution of a sugar, for example, sucrose, to which may also be added any necessary ingredients. Such accessory ingredient(s) may include flavourings, an agent to retard crystallisation of the sugar or an agent to increase the solubility of any other ingredients, such as a polyhydric alcohol, for example, glycerol or sorbitol.

In addition to the aforementioned ingredients, the formulations of this invention may further include one or more accessory ingredient(s) selected from diluents, buffers, flavouring agents, binders, surface active agents, thickeners, lubricants, preservatives, (including antioxidants) and the like.

Emulgents and emulsion stabilisers suitable for use in the formulation of the present invention include Tween 60, Span 80, cetostearyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, glyceryl mono- stearate and sodium lauryl sulphate.

The choice of suitable oils or fats for the formulation is based on achieving the desired therapeutic properties, since the solubility of the active compound in most oils likely to be used in pharmaceutical emulsion formulations is low. Thus the cream should preferably be a non-greasy, non-staining and washable product with suitable consistency to avoid leakage from tubes or other containers. Straight or branched chain, mono- or dibasic alkyl esters such as di-isoadipate, isocetyl stearate, propylene glycol diester of coconut fatty acids, isopropyl myristate, decyl oleate, isopropyl palmitate, butyl stearate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, or a blend of branch-chained esters known as Crodamol CAP may be used, the last three being preferred esters. These may be used alone or in combination depending on the properties required. Alternatively, high melting point lipids such as white soft parafϊn and/or liquid parafin or other mineral oils can be used.

Formulations for rectal administration may be presented in any suitable form e.g. as a suppository with a suitable base comprising peptide(s) of the invention in admixture with a neutral fatty base, for example cocoa butter, or, for example in admixture with a salicylate, or in the form of solutions and suspensions. In an alternative, formulations in the form of gelatin rectal capsules comprising active peptide(s) of the invention in admixture with vegetable oil(s) or paraffin oil can be used.

Formulations suitable for nasal administration wherein the carrier is a solid include a coarse powder having a particle size for example in the range 20 to 500 microns. Where the particle size relates to an active substance in particle form per se, the particle size may be in the range of from 2 to 500 microns. Coarse powder formulations can be administered by rapid inhalation through the nasal passage from a container of the powder held up close to the nose. Suitable formulations wherein the carrier is a liquid, for administration as for example a nasal spray or as nasal drops, include aqueous or oily solutions of the active ingredient. Thus, peptides of the invention may be formulated in pressurised metered dose inhalers or dry powder inhalers for oral or nasal inhalation or in liquid formulations for nebulisation. The active peptide(s) is micronised or otherwise processed to a particle size suitable for inhalation therapy (mass median diameter < 10 μm).

In the case of pressurised metered dose inhalers the micronised peptide(s) can be suspended in a liquefied propellant or a mixture of liquefied propellants. Such propellants can also, but not necessarily act as solvents. In either case, the micronised peptide(s) can be filled into a container equipped, for example with a metering valve.

Suitable propellants include those commonly employed in the art, such as, hydr ofluoroalkanes (HFAs). The HFA propellants can be present in any mixture which is appropriate for delivering peptide(s) of the invention to MALT. Examples of suitable HFAs for use in the invention include tetrafluoroethane (eg propellant 134a (Hoechst)) and heptafluoropropane (eg propellant 227 (Hoechst)). Naturally, the skilled addressee will appreciate that appropriate concentrations of surfactants can also be present in such formulations, for example, sorbitan trioleate, lecithin, oleic acid and the like, the use of surfactants being to increase the physical stability of the peptide(s) preparation. The formulation can also contain solvents, such as ethanol, to improve the solubility of the peptide(s) in the chosen propellant.

Active peptides of the invention may be delivered through inhaling devices suitable for dry powder inhalation, such as portable inhaler devices and the like. In such dry powder formulations, the active peptide(s) of the invention can be used either alone or in combination with a carrier, such as lactose, mannitol, or glucose. The selection of carrier is not critical, provided that the physiological action of the peptide(s) of the invention is substantially unimpaired. Other additives may also be included in powder formulations as required e.g. to maintain stability etc. Again, such additives should be such so as not to substantially interfere with the physiological and hence therapeutic effect of the peptide(s) of the invention. The inhaling device can be of any type known in the art, such as a single dose inhaler having a predetermined dose or a multi-dose inhaler wherein the dose is measured by a metering unit within the inhaler or is delivered from an assembly of predetermined doses.

Formulations suitable for parenteral administration conveniently comprise a sterile aqueous preparation of the active compound which is preferably isotonic with the blood of the recipient. Such formulations suitably comprise a solution of a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salt of a peptide(s) of the invention that is isotonic with the blood of the recipient.

Useful formulations also comprise concentrated solutions or solids containing peptide(s) of the invention which upon dilution with an appropriate solvent give a solution for parenteral administration as above.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

It is to be understood that where no group is shown at the N- and C- terminals of peptides of the invention herein described that the N-terminal is in the amino form (NH2) and that the C-terminal is in the carboxyl form (-COOH).

In the synthetic examples below:

Peptides of the present invention were prepared using standard solid phase sequentional coupling techniques on a Millipore 9050 automatic peptide synthesizer (for further information about this technique see for example Jones, J. The Chemical Synthesis of Peptides, pp 132-156, first edition, Oxford University Press, 1991 and R. Epton (ed) Innovation and Perspectives in Solid Phase Synthesis, SPCC (UK) Ltd 1990).

The C-terminal aminoacid was purchased coupled to a resin which consisted of a crosslinked polystyrene backbone grafted with polyethyleneglycol chains, functionalized with either the linker p-hydroxymethyl phenoxyacetic acid (TentaGel S PHB-Aaa-Fmoc, Sheppard, R.C., Williams, B.J. Acid-labile Resin Linkage Agents for Use in Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis. Int. J. Peptide Protein Res. 1982, 20, 451-454) from RAPP Polymere. N^α-Fmoc-protected L-amino acid pentafluorophenyl esters used were purchased from Bachem and Biosearch. DMF and 20% piperidine DMF in peptide reagent quality was purchased from Biosearch. The coupling reagent 1 -hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBT) came from Fluka. Synthesis were performed on a Millipore 9050 Plus PepSynthesizer.

The amino acid residues are in L- form unless otherwise specified.

Example 1 : Synthesis of Leu Ala Phe Glu Pro Met Met SEQ. ID. NO. 1 1

The C-terminal aminoacid Tentagel S PHB-Met-Fmoc (0.9 g, 0.23 mmol/g, 0.2mmol) on resin, drypacked in the Synthesizer column, was allowed to swell in DMF for 30 minutes. The synthesizer worked with consecutive deblocking, washing and coupling cycles consisting of 8 min recycling with 20% piperidine/DMF for each Fmoc-deblocking followed, after wash, by activation of the N^α-Fmoc-pr otected L-amino acid pentafluorophenyl ester (0.8 mmol) with HOBT (0.9 mmol). For D-methionine the N^α-Fmoc*met-OH derivative was used which was coupled to aminoacids on the resin with HOBT (0.9 mmol) and DIPCDI (0.9 mmol). The activated amino acids were added to the column and recycled 30 min each. The synthesizer ended the synthesis with a deblocking of the N-terminal Fmoc-group and a final wash with DMF. The resulting peptide on the resin was transferred to a sintered glas funnel where it was washed twice with MeOH (2 x 10 ml) and three times with CH₂C1₂ (3 x 10 ml). The resin was allowed to dry under vacuum over night after which the peptide was side chained deprotected and cleaved from the resin using ethanedithiol TFA 5/95 (20 ml) at room temperature for 3 h. The resin was filtered off and washed with 3 x 10 ml of acetic acid. The combined acidic fraction was evaporated after which the residue was triturated 3 times with ether.

The crude peptide was dissolved in H₂O/CH₃CN 1/1 and lyophilized. The resulting material was purified on HPLC using a Gilson 305 and 306 HPLC system with a Kromasil 100-5C18 25 cm x 20 mm id reversed phase column (0.1% TFA/CH₃CN - 0.1% TFA/H₂O 90 - 10, 10 ml/min, 220 nm). The combined HPLC fraction was lyophilized leaving 63 mg of the title compound.

Synthesis of Examples 2 - 25 below were accomplished following a similar protocol as per Example 1 to give the following products.

Example 2: Met Leu Phe Ser Pro Met Trp SEQ. ID. NO. 11

Example : Val Val Phe Ala Pro Met Tyr SEQ. ID. NO. 1 Example 4: Leu Leu Phe Gly Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 12 Example 5: Gly Pro Met Met Pro Gly SEQ. ID. NO. 13 Example 6: Gly Pro Cys Met Pro Gly SEQ. ID. NO. 14 Example 7: Gly Pro Met Cys Pro Gly SEQ. ID. NO. 15

Example 8: Gly Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 16 Example 9: Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro Met Phe SEQ. ID. NO. 2 Example Ala Pro Met Met Val Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 3

Example Leu Leu Phe Asp Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 4

Example Leu Leu Phe Trp Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 17

Example Leu Leu Phe Arg Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 18 Example He Cys Thr Met Glu SEQ. ID. NO. 19

Example Leu Leu Phe Gly Pec Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 20

Example Leu Leu Phe Ala Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 21

Example Leu Leu Phe Gly He Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 22

Example Phe Met Leu Gly Pro Met Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 23 Example Leu Leu Phe Gly Pro met He met=D-methionine SEQ. ID. NO. 5

Example 20 Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro met Phe SEQ. ID. NO. 6

Example 21 Pro Gly met met Gly Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 7

Example 22 Leu Ala Phe Glu Pro met Met SEQ. ID. NO. 8

Example 23 Phe Met He Met Lys SEQ. ID. NO. 9 Example 24 Phe Met Leu Gly Pro Met Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 24 Example 25: Lys Met Arg Met Lys SEQ. ID. NO. 25

Example 26:Delaved Type Hvpersensitivitv (DTK) Test

This test was used to show immunomodulatory activity.

The ability of the peptides according to the invention to modulate immune responses can be illustrated by their effect in the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) test in mice. The DTH test is used to illustrate im unomodulation, the protocol for which is described, for example, by Carlsten H., et al (1986) Int. Arch. Allergy Appl. Immunol 81 :322, herein incorporated by reference. The peptides were tested at one or more of the following dosages: 0.0003 μmol/kg, 0.003 μmol/kg, 0.03 μmol/kg, 0.3 μmol/kg, and 3.0 μmol/kg.

Male and female Balb/c mice were obtained from Bomholtsgaard (Denmark) with a weight of 18-20 grams each. 4-Ethoxymethylene-2-phenyloxazolin-5-one (OXA) (Sigma Chemicals) was used as the antigen in the DTH test.

The mice were sensitized, Day 0, by epicutaneous application of 150 μl of an absolute ethanol -acetone (3:1) solution containing 3% OXA on the shaved abdomen. Treatment with the peptides of Examples 1 to 25 inclusive, or vehicle (phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, containing a mixture of Buffer A and Buffer B in the proportion 63%:37% B (Buffer A:

Na₂HPO₄, 0.89 g/lOOml, EDTA 0.05 g/100ml;Buffer B: NaH₂P0₄, 0.69 g/lOOml, EDTA

0.05 g/lOOml) was initiated by oral feeding immediately after sensitization and continued once daily (a.m) until Day 6. Seven days after sensitization, both ears of all mice were challenged on both sides by topical application of 20 μl 1 % OXA dissolved in peanut oil. Ear thickness was measured prior to and at 24hrs or 48 hrs after challenge using an Oditest spring calliper. Challenges and measurements were performed under light pentobarbital anaesthesia.

The intensity of the DTH reactions was measured according to the method described by van Loveren H., et al (1984) J. Immunol. Methods 67: 311 and expressed according to the formula: T_{t24 48}-T_t0 μm units, where tO, t24 and t48 represent the ear thickness at time 0, +24hrs or +48 hrs after challenge respectively, in individual tests (T). The results are expressed as the mean +/- S.E.M.. The level of significance between means of the groups is obtained by Student's two-tailed t-test. The immunomodulating effect of the peptide is reflected in a significant difference in the increase or decrease in ear thickness as compared to the control (phosphate buffer).

Some of the peptides were found to exhibit very good effect, good effect or to be effective in this particular test and some were found to exhibit little toward no effect compared with the control in this particular test.

SEQUENCE LISTING

(1) GENERAL INFORMATION:

(i) APPLICANT:

(A) NAME: ASTRA AKTIEBOLAG

(B) STREET: VASTRA MALAREHAMNEN 9

(C) CITY: SODERTALJE (E) COUNTRY: SWEDEN

(F) POSTAL CODE (ZIP): S-15185

(ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: METHIONINE-CONTAINING PEPTIDES HAVING IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT

(iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 25

(iv) COMPUTER READABLE FORM:

(A) MEDIUM TYPE: Floppy disk (B) COMPUTER: IBM PC compatible

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

(D) SOFTWARE: Patentln Release #1.0, Version #1.30 (EPO)

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 1:

(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: 1:

Val Val Phe Ala Pro Met Tyr 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 2:

(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: 2:

Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro Met Phe 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:

Ala Pro Met Met Val Pro 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 4:

(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: 4:

Leu Leu Phe Asp Pro Met He

1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 5:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 7 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Misc.

(B) LOCATION: 6

(D) Description: D- ethionine

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

Leu Leu Phe Gly Pro Xaa He 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 6:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 7 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(ixj FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Misc.

(B) LOCATION: 6 (D) Description: D- ethionine

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 6: Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro Xaa Phe 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

( i i ) MOLECULE TYPE : peptide (ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Misc.

(B) LOCATIONS: 3, 4 (D) Description: D-methionine

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

Pro Gly Xaa Xaa Gly Pro 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

(ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Misc. (B) LOCATION: 6

(D) Description: D-methionine

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

Leu Ala Phe Glu Pro Xaa Met 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 9:

(1) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 5 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

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

Phe Met He Met Lys (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 10:

(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: 10:

Leu Ala Phe Glu Pro Met Met

1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 11:

(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: 11:

Met Leu Phe Ser Pro Met Trp 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 12:

(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: 12: Leu Leu Phe Gly Pro Met He

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:

Gly Pro Met Met Pro Gly

1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 14:

(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: 14:

Gly Pro Cys Met Pro Gly

1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 15:

(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: 15: Gly Pro Met Cys Pro Gly 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 16:

(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: 16:

Gly Pro Met He 1

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 17:

(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: 17:

Leu Leu Phe Trp Pro Met He 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 18:

(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: 18:

Leu Leu Phe Arg Pro Met He

1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 19:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 5 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 19:

He Cys Thr Met Glu 1

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 20:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 7 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: Misc.

(B) LOCATION: 5 (D) Description: pipecol ic acid

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 20:

Leu Leu Phe Gly Xaa Met He 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 21: (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: 21:

Leu Leu Phe Ala Pro Met He 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 22:

(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: 22: Leu Leu Phe Gly He Met He 1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 23:

(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: 23:

Phe Met Leu Gly Pro Met Pro 1 5 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 24:

(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: 24:

Phe Met Leu Gly Pro Met Pro

1 5

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 25:

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 5 amino acids

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 25:

Leu Met Arg Met Lys 1 5

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A physiologically active peptide of formula (I):

A-R,-R₂-R₃-R₄-B (I) wherein each A is independently selected from H, a protecting group, or at least one amino acid residue independently selected from the group of amino acid residues having aliphatic side chains, aliphatic hydroxyl side chains, basic side chains, acidic side chains, secondary amino groups, amide side chains, aromatic side chains, and sulphur containing side chains;

R- is a residue of an amino acid selected from glycine (Gly), proline (Pro), aspartic acid (Asp), arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), tryptophan (Trp), serine (Ser), methionine (Met), cysteine (Cys), and glutamic acid (Glu),

R₂ is a residue of an amino acid selected from cysteine (Cys), proline (Pro), isoleucine (He), methionine (Met), pipecolic acid (Pec), threonine (Thr) and arginine (Arg),

R₃ is a residue of an amino acid selected from cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met), and

R₄ is a residue of an amino acid selected from phenylalanine (Phe), valine (Val), isoleucine (He), proline (Pro), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), glutamic acid (Glu), methionine (Met) and lysine (Lys);

at least one of R_h R₂ and R₃ being methionine and at most one of R,, R₂ and R₃ being cysteine with the provisos that when R₃ is methionine

(a) when R, is alanine, R₄ is not phenylalanine,

(b) when R₂ is threonine, R₄ is not phenylalanine; and

each B is independently selected from the group consisting of OH, NH₂, an oxygen or a nitrogen carrying a protecting group, or at least one amino acid residue selected from the group of amino acid residues having aliphatic side chains, aliphatic hydroxyl side chains, basic side chains, acidic side chains, secondary amino groups, amide side chains, aromatic side chains, and sulphur containing side chains;

the entire peptide sequence containing 3 to 30 amino acid residues.

2. A peptide according to claim 1 wherein Rj is selected from Gly, Pro. Asp, Arg, Trp, Ser, Met, Cys, Glu.

3. A peptide according to claim 1 wherein R| to R₄ are residues of amino acids as follows:

Ri selected from Gly, Pro, Asp, Ala, Ser, Met, Glu, R₂ selected from Pro, Met, He, R₃ Met, R₄ selected from Phe, Val, He, Pro, Tyr, Met, Lys.

4. A peptide according to claim 1 wherein R_} to R₄ are residues of amino acids as follows:

Ri selected from Gly, Ser, Asp, Ser, Met, Glu, R₂ selected from Pro, He, R₃ Met, R₄ selected from Phe, He, Met, Lys.

5. A peptide according to claim 1 of the formula: A-R Met-Met-RrB

A-R_rMet-Cys-R₄-B

A-R,-Cys-Met-R₄-B

wherein A, R_b R and B are as defined in claim 1.

6. A peptide according to claim 1 of the formula:

A-Met-R₂-Met-R₄-B

A-Met-R₂-Cys-R₄-B

wherein A, R₂, R_ι and B are as defined in claim 1.

7. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the peptide sequence is from 4 to 20 amino acid residues in length.

8. A peptide according to claim 1 wherein the peptide sequence is from 4 to 15 amino acid residues in length.

9. A peptide according to claim 1 of the formula:

Val Val Phe Ala Pro Met Tyr SEQ. ID. NO. 1

Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro Met Phe SEQ. ID. NO. 2

Ala Pro Met Met Val Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 3

Leu Leu Phe Asp Pro Met He SEQ. ID. NO. 4 Leu Leu Phe Gly Pro met He SEQ. ID. NO. 5

Leu Leu Tyr Ser Pro met Phe SEQ. ID. NO. 6

Pro Gly met met Gly Pro SEQ. ID. NO. 7

Leu Ala Phe Glu Pro met Met SEQ. ID. NO. 8

Phe Met He Met Lys SEQ. ID. NO. 9

wherein met denotes the residue of D-methionine.

10. A peptide according to claim 1 specifically identified herein.

1 1. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 10 free from an added transport agent.

12. Acid addition salts of peptides according to any of claims 1 to 1 1.

13. Acid addition salts according to claim 12 selected from the group consisting of salts of hydrochloric, hydrobromic, nitric, perchloric, sulphuric, citric, tartaric, phosphoric, lactic, benzoic, glutamic, oxalic, aspartic, pyruvic, acetic, succinic, fumaric, maleic, oxaloacetic, isethionic, stearic, phthalic, methanesulphonic, p-toluene sulphonic, benzenesulphonic, lactobionic, glucuronic, and trifluoroacetic acids.

14. Base salts of peptides according to any of claims 1 to 11.

15. Base salts according to claim 14 selected from the group consisting of alkali metal and alkaline earth salts, organic base salts, and amino acid salts.

16. _4JI oral dosage form comprising an immunomodulatory peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15.

17. An oral dosage form according to claim 16 wherein the amount of the immuno-modulatory peptide needed to induce an observable level of modulated immune response in a mammal when administered orally is less than the amount of the same immunomodulatory peptide when administered parenterally which is needed to achieve a similar observable level of modulated immune response in the said mammal.

18. An oral dosage form according to claim 16 or 17 not including an added transport agent.

19. An intra-tracheal dosage form comprising an immunomodulatory peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15.

20. An intra-tracheal dosage form according to claim 19 wherein the amount of the immunomodulatory peptide needed to induce an observable level of modulated immune response in a mammal when administered intra-tracheally is less than the amount of the same immunomodulatory peptide when administered parenterally which is needed to achieve a similar observable level of modulated immune response in the said mammal.

21. An intra-tracheal dosage form according to claim 19 or 20 not including an added transport agent.

22. A nasal dosage form comprising an immunomodulatory peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15.

23. A nasal dosage form according to claim 22 wherein the amount of the immuno-modulatory peptide needed to induce an observable level of modulated immune response in a mammal when administered nasally is less than the amount of the same immunomodulatory peptide when administered parenterally which is needed to achieve a similar observable level of modulated immune response in the said mammal.

24. A nasal dosage form according to claim 22 or 23 not including an added transport agent.

25. Pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

26. Pharmaceutical formulation according to claim 25 wherein the pharmaceutical formulation is for oral administration.

27. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof for use in therapy.

28. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof for use in cancer therapy.

29. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof for use in rheumatoid arthritis therapy.

30. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof in an oral dosage form for use in therapy.

31. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof in an oral dosage form for use in cancer therapy.

32. A peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof in an oral dosage form for use in autoimmune disease therapy.

33. Use of a physiologically active peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament suitable for the treatment of disease.

34. Use of a physiologically active peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament suitable for the treatment of cancer.

35. Use of a physiologically active peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof in the preparation of a medicament suitable for the treatment of autoimmune disease.

36. Use of a physiologically active peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or a salt thereof free from an added transport agent in the preparation of a medicament suitable for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

37. A method for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising bringing into association at least one peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or at least one salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

38. A method of inducing an immunomodulatory response in a mammal which comprises identifying a mammal in need of an immunomodulatory response; and administering to the epithelial cell lining of the mammal a dose of a physiologically active peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or salt thereof enough to induce said modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect.

39. A method according to claim 38 which comprises administering to the MALT of the mammal a dose of a physiologically active peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 or salt thereof in an amount sufficient to induce a modulated immune response and thereby a therapeutic effect.

40. A method of making a peptide according to any of claims 1 to 15 by a chemical process in which individual amino acid residues or fragments of peptides of the invention are joined to form peptide bonds and wherein protecting groups are employed at the beginning and/ or end of the process.