LAMININ SIKVAV PEPTIDE INDUCTION OF MONOCYTE-MACROPHAGE PROSTAGLANDIN E(2) AND MATRIX METALLOPROTEINASES

The laminin-derived synthetic peptide containing the SIKVAV (Ser-Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val) amino acid sequence has been previously shown to regulate tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Here, we demonstate that this peptide also modulates human monocyte responses. Moreover, the monocytic responses elicited by this peptide are influenced by the culture conditions. When elutriated monocytes were cultured on SIKVAV substrate or in suspension with this peptide, the synthesis of prostaglandin E(2), interstitial collagenase, and gelatinase B was induced and was further enhanced in the presence of concanavalin A (ConA). However, when monocytes were adhered before adding soluble SIKVAV, the peptide alone failed to induce the production of prostaglandin E(2) or matrix metalloproteinases. If adherent monocytes were exposed to SIKVAV in the presence of ConA, this peptide enhanced the ConA induced production of these mediators. In contrast to SIKVAV, the intact laminin molecule failed to influence these monocyte responses. This is the first demonstration that a laminin derived peptide is capable of inducing or enhancing monocyte inflammatory responses that may influence a number of biological activities such as wound healing or excessive connective tissue destruction associated with chronic inflammation.