Immunomodulatory effect of synthetic peptides corresponding to sequences within the CH2 and CH3 domain of human IgG1.

The Fc region of IgG is known to be the source of small peptides possessing immunomodulatory function. Results are summarized showing the effect of synthetic peptides composed of surface exposed residues of C gamma 2 or C gamma 3 domains on different steps of human B lymphocyte activation cycle. Both the CH2 (289Thr-301Arg) and CH3 (407Tyr-416Arg) peptides as well as the whole Fc fragment enhanced the IgM synthesis of PWM or PMA + CaI activated lymphocytes. This effect was exerted at the early phase of B cell activation. The incubation of separated resting B cells with Fc fragments or CH2 peptides resulted in increase of cell volume and in expression of HLA-DR antigen. On the other hand, LIF production was induced both by CH2 and CH3 peptides. It was also shown that Fc peptides induce IL-1 release from monocytes. The results suggest that the CH2 and CH3 domain peptides exert their effect partly directly, by activating resting B cells, rendering the cells more susceptible to other stimuli; and moreover, by enhancing the humoral response by triggering the release of IL-1.

The effect of synthetic peptides corresponding to Fc sequences in human IgG1 on various steps in the B cell activation pathway.

The influence of synthetic peptides comprising sequences in the exposed positions of the Fc region of human IgG 1 was tested on B lymphocyte activation. CH 2 domain peptides having an inhibitory effect on antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, as well as the whole Fc fragment, induced the appearance of the early signs of activation on resting B lymphocytes such as increase in cell volume and HLA-DR antigen expression or leukocyte migration inhibitory factor production. The peptides did not induce proliferation of resting B cells even when B cell growth factor (BCGF)-containing supernatants were added. Exposure to Fc fragment, however, induced a weak proliferation which was significantly enhanced by BCGF. On the other hand, both the Fc fragment and the CH 2 or CH 3 domain peptides enhanced the IgM synthesis of human blood mononuclear cells when a suboptimal dose of pokeweed mitogen was present. This effect was lost when Fc fragment or the peptides were added on the third day of culture. These results suggest that the early steps of B cell activation can be induced by Fc fragment and by small molecular weight Fc peptides, which are potential ligands of Fc receptors. The Fc fragment activates B cells to the state where they respond to BCGF, but the peptides do not possess this activity. Furthermore, both Fc fragment and Fc peptides are able to enhance the IgM synthesis, when accessory cells and the appropriate differentiating factors are present.