Tuftsin
Overview
Tuftsin is a naturally occurring tetrapeptide (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) cleaved from the Fc portion of the heavy chain of immunoglobulin G. It binds to specific receptors on phagocytes, enhancing chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and microbicidal activity. The therapeutic rationale is to augment innate immune responses in immunocompromised states or chronic infections.
Key Research Findings
Clinical studies in the 1980s and 1990s evaluated tuftsin and synthetic analogs in cancer, infections, and immune deficiency with modest benefit observed in small cohorts. No large-scale pivotal trials or regulatory approvals have been achieved, and the peptide remains investigational.
Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous
Investigational
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