Peptide inhibitors of neutrophil activating factor induced chemotaxis

Abstract

The present invention describes a method of preventing neutrophil chemotaxis, either in vitro or at a biological site using peptides whose amino acid sequence is derived at least in part from the sequence of native neutrophil activating factor (NAF). The peptides do not have measurable chemotactic activity against human neutrophils, but they are antagonistic to native NAF. The method of preventing neutrophil chemotaxis is practiced by adding sufficient amounts of the claimed peptides to neutrophils in a biological fluid or appropriate medium to inhibit neutrophil chemotaxis. The claimed peptides may have therapeutic value in patients with Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) or with other inflammatory lesions known or found to be caused by NAF.