Melanocortin Peptides: Potential Targets in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disease resulting in loss of self-tolerance with multiple organs, such as the kidney, skin, joints, and the central nervous system (CNS), being targeted. Numerous immunosuppressant therapies are currently being used for the treatment of SLE, but their clinical utility is somewhat variable because of the clinical heterogeneity. Melanocortins are a family of peptides derived from the common precursor protein pro-opiomelanocortin. These multifunctional peptides activate five subtypes of melanocortin receptors expressed on immune, skin, muscle, bone, and kidney cells and cells within the CNS. Melanocortin peptides have demonstrated a variety of biologic actions including immunomodulation, melanogenesis, and renoprotection. This review aims to introduce the melanocortin system and explore the mechanisms by which they may be beneficial in diseases such as SLE.

The Regulation of the Male Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis and Testosterone Production by Adipokines

“…Leptin-induced activation of ObRb located on the POMC-neurons leads to an increase in the production of POMC-derived melanocortin peptides, primarily α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), an agonist of types 3 and 4 melanocortin receptors (MC 3 R and MC 4 R) [51]. The α-MSH binds to MC 3/4 R located on GnRH-neurons, and stimulates the GnRH secretion by them.…”

Immunomodulatory effects of the pentapeptide YGSRS on human peripheral-blood mononuclear cells

“…Several types of naturally occurring or synthetic oligopeptides and peptides have been reported to show immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities [1][2][3][4] . Clinically used immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine has a cyclic peptide structure 7 .…”

“…Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of several types of naturally occurring or synthetic oligopeptides and peptides have been reported [1][2][3][4] . We have also found that certain types of peptide antibiotics suppress proliferation and several cytokine productions in mitogen-activated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) 5,6 .…”

Rituximab, IVIg, and Tetracosactide (ACTH1–24) Combination Immunotherapy (“RITE-CI”) for Pediatric Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome: Immunomarkers and Clinical Observations

“…43 Increased anti-inflammatory and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines by melanocortin peptides may be mediated by MC3R. 45 ACTH is the only known ligand for MC2R, which is highly expressed in adrenal cortex. 46 How these MCRs relate to clinical effects in OMS is unknown, because corticosteroids also exert significant effects on inflammatory mediators CXCL13 and BAFF in CSF and CCL21 and CCL22 in serum.…”