Molecular basis of familial and acquired phagocytosis deficiency involving the tetrapeptide, thr-lys-pro-arg, tuftsin. 1978

V A Najjar

The biological activity and metabolism of the phagocytosis stimulating tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) tuftsin, are discussed. Its effect is shown to be highly specific. It stimulates the phagocytic activity of the blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte. A unique familial deficiency of the tetrapeptide is described. In such patients, moderate to severe infections occur at high frequency. These are most pronounced in children. Biochemical and symptomatic evidence can readily be obtained in one or more children. At least one parent of either sex shows clinical signs or laboratory evidence of defective phagocytosis. Another type of deficiency results from removal of the spleen or from loss of specific function due to leukemic infiltration or embolism.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007128 Immunoglobulin Fragments Partial immunoglobulin molecules resulting from selective cleavage by proteolytic enzymes or generated through PROTEIN ENGINEERING techniques. Antibody Fragment,Antibody Fragments,Ig Fragment,Ig Fragments,Immunoglobulin Fragment,Fragment, Antibody,Fragment, Ig,Fragment, Immunoglobulin,Fragments, Antibody,Fragments, Ig,Fragments, Immunoglobulin
D007223 Infant A child between 1 and 23 months of age. Infants
D007239 Infections Invasion of the host organism by microorganisms or their toxins or by parasites that can cause pathological conditions or diseases. Infection,Infection and Infestation,Infections and Infestations,Infestation and Infection,Infestations and Infections
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009504 Neutrophils Granular leukocytes having a nucleus with three to five lobes connected by slender threads of chromatin, and cytoplasm containing fine inconspicuous granules and stainable by neutral dyes. LE Cells,Leukocytes, Polymorphonuclear,Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes,Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils,Neutrophil Band Cells,Band Cell, Neutrophil,Cell, LE,LE Cell,Leukocyte, Polymorphonuclear,Neutrophil,Neutrophil Band Cell,Neutrophil, Polymorphonuclear,Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte,Polymorphonuclear Neutrophil
D010587 Phagocytosis The engulfing and degradation of microorganisms; other cells that are dead, dying, or pathogenic; and foreign particles by phagocytic cells (PHAGOCYTES). Phagocytoses
D002648 Child A person 6 to 12 years of age. An individual 2 to 5 years old is CHILD, PRESCHOOL. Children
D002675 Child, Preschool A child between the ages of 2 and 5. Children, Preschool,Preschool Child,Preschool Children
D004285 Dogs The domestic dog, Canis familiaris, comprising about 400 breeds, of the carnivore family CANIDAE. They are worldwide in distribution and live in association with people. (Walker's Mammals of the World, 5th ed, p1065) Canis familiaris,Dog

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