Identification of peptides that antagonize formyl peptide receptor-like 1-mediated signaling

Formyl peptide receptor-like 1 (FPRL1) is an important classical chemoattractant receptor that is expressed in phagocytic cells in the peripheral blood and brain. Recently, various novel agonists have been identified from several origins, such as host-derived molecules. Activation of FPRL1 is closely related to inflammatory responses in the host defense mechanism and neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study we identified several novel peptides by screening hexapeptide libraries that inhibit the binding of one of FPRL1's agonists (Trp-Lys-Tyr-Met-Val-D-Met-CONH₂ (WKYMVm)) to its specific receptor, FPRL1, in RBL-2H3 cells. Among the novel peptides, Trp-Arg-Trp-Trp-Trp-Trp-CONH₂ (WRWWWW (WRW⁴)) showed the most potent activity in terms of inhibiting WKYMVm binding to FPRL1. We also found that WRW⁴ inhibited the activation of FPRL1 by WKYMVm, resulting in the complete inhibition of the intracellular calcium increase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation, and chemotactic migration of cells toward WKYMVm. For the receptor specificity of WRW⁴ to the FPR family, we observed that WRW⁴ specifically inhibit the increase in intracellular calcium by the FPRL1 agonists MMK-1, amyloid β42 (Aβ42) peptide, and F peptide, but not by the FPR agonist, fMLF. To investigate the effect of WRW⁴ on endogenous FPRL1 ligand-induced cellular responses, we examined its effect on Aβ42 peptide in human neutrophils. Aβ42 peptide-induced superoxide generation and chemotactic migration of neutrophils were inhibited by WRW⁴, which also completely inhibited the internalization of Aβ42 peptide in human macrophages. WRW⁴ is the first specific FPRL1 antagonist and is expected to be useful in the study of FPRL1 signaling and in the development of drugs against FPRL1-related diseases.