Design of Novel Cyclic Altered Peptide Ligands of Myelin Basic Protein MBP83-99 That Modulate Immune Responses in SJL/J Mice

The use of antagonist peptides derived from the myelin sheath constitutes a promising therapeutic approach for multiple sclerosis (MS). Cyclization of peptide analogues is of great interest, since the limited stability of linear peptides restricts their potential as therapeutic agents. Herein, we designed and synthesized a number of cyclic peptides by mutating TCR contact sites of the MBP 83-99 epitope. A number of cyclic analogues were tested for their ability to inhibit (antagonize) Th1 (IFN-gamma) responses, and cyclo(83-99)[A (91)]MBP 83-99 mutant peptide was found to be the most efficient inhibitor. We demonstrated that cyclo(83-99)[A (91)]MBP 83-99 peptide emulsified in CFA enhanced Th2 (IL-4) and antibody responses in vivo. Moreover, immunization of mice with antagonist cyclo(83-99)[A (91)]MBP 83-99 peptide conjugated to reduced mannan enhanced IL-4 responses compared to cyclo(83-99)MBP 83-99 peptide. Thus, cyclized peptides, which offer greater stability and enhanced responses, are novel leads for the immunotherapy of many diseases, such as MS. In particular, cyclo(83-99)[A (91)]MBP 83-99 is a promising mutant peptide analogue for the potential treatment of MS.