Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, that perform various vital functions in the body. Peptides serve as signalling molecules attaching to receptors on the surface of cells to activate reactions that include hormone production, tissue repair, muscle growth and immune defence. This first in our series of peptide kits Peptides 1, focuses on immunity.
The body creates thousands of peptides which we may group based on their functions. In this kit we focus on anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) and anti-fungal peptides also called host defence peptides (HDPs). Other groups of peptides include neuropeptides; cardiovascular peptides; endocrine peptides; peptides related to muscle mass, aging and more.
“Antimicrobial peptides have a dual ability. They can provide host protection against a wide range of pathogens, first, through their direct antimicrobial activity and second, through their ability to modify the immune system by modulating innate and adaptative immune responses. The same antimicrobial peptide can have both properties or only one or the other..”
Immunopeptides are fragments of proteins that are bound to Major Histocompatibility Complexes (MHC). MHC molecules also known as Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) in humans are presented on cell surfaces, where they are recognized by T cells. This signalling process is crucial for detecting and eliminating infections. Once antigens are detected by MHC molecules and bound to the complex, they are known as immunopeptides.
KITS
Peptides 1 (first in a forthcoming series)