PEPITEM, a naturally occurring peptide, shows promise in revitalizing the immune system of older individuals and shielding against inflammaging, a key factor in various age-related ailments.
The latest study, published in the journal npj Aging,, unveils the potential of a shield that could alleviate age-related inflammation and enhance the immune function of older adults.
PEPITEM (Peptide Inhibitor of Trans-Endothelial Migration) was discovered at the University of Birmingham in 2015. While PEPITEM’s role in immune-related conditions is known, this study highlights its ability to promote health in aging populations.
Researchers, including Drs. Myriam Chimen, Asif Iqbal, and Helen McGettrick, explored how aging affects the inflammatory response and how PEPITEM can counteract these effects.
In a healthy immunity, PEPITEM regulates the movement of immune cells between blood and tissues, preventing excessive immune reactions. In diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus, the PEPITEM pathway malfunctions, causing increased immune cell movement and chronic inflammation.
Through an animal model, the researchers studied how PEPITEM affected immune cell movement in young and older mice under immune challenges.
Results showed that older mice had heightened immune responses in cell number, type, and movement, particularly T-cells, which could be mitigated with PEPITEM, indicating an age-related decline in the PEPITEM pathway.
The study’s other aspect investigated the cause of this decline in PEPITEM activity with age using B-cells from younger and older human donors.
PEPITEM is derived from a larger protein released by B-cells and is triggered by the hormone adiponectin. In the bloodstream, PEPITEM interacts with receptors on blood vessel walls.
The researchers found that B-cells from older individuals lacked the signaling pathway necessary for producing the parent protein for PEPITEM (14-3-3ζ).
Dr. Chimen stated, “We identified an age-related decline in the PEPITEM-adiponectin pathway and its impact on T-cell movement observed in inflammaging. These results suggest the potential development of a shield that reduces excessive inflammation in old age and supports immune health in seniors.”
The University of Birmingham Enterprise has filed multiple patents related to PEPITEM and its immune response maintenance components. The team is open to collaborations, licensing agreements, and investments. For business inquiries, please contact Helen Dunster at University of Birmingham Enterprise.
