Selank and Its Fragments Modulate Immune Gene Expression in Mice

Selank, a synthetic analog of taftsin, is known for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and nootropic (cognitive-enhancing) effects, alongside pronounced antiviral properties. Despite its diverse pharmacological profile, the precise mechanisms underlying its immunomodulatory actions, particularly at the genetic level, were not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate how Selank and its fragments influence the expression of genes related to chemokines, cytokines, and their receptors in mouse spleen.

The study revealed that both Selank and its fragments induced significant changes in the expression of genes for chemokines, cytokines, and their receptors in the mouse spleen. These alterations were evident at both 6 and 24 hours after a single administration. The observed changes in gene expression suggest a broad and rapid immunomodulatory response. The most striking finding was that changes in the mRNA level of the majority of the genes under study were similarly observed after the administration of Gly-Pro, suggesting this minimal fragment plays a crucial role in Selank's immunomodulatory effects. This indicates that Gly-Pro effectively mimics the parent peptide's influence on immune gene regulation, pointing to its importance in Selank's overall pharmacological profile.