Characterization of CMX-13 and evaluation of efficacy and mechanisms of action in animal model of autoimmunity

Abstract

T-cells, which are inhibited in their apoptotic mechanism, induce Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). In our previous studies we have shown that CMX-13, a derivative from a Chinese Medicine, is a potent immunosuppressant. Here we have made an effort to elucidate the structure of the bioactive compound in CMX-13, the immunosuppressive mechanism in-vitro and in-vivo, and the effect of mRNA expression levels of cytokines in-vivo. Structure elucidation experiments suggest that CMX-13 is a hexapeptide. CMX-13 was able to accelerate apoptosis in Jurkat cells and PBMCs derived from SLE patients; improved pathogical factors significantly of the MRL-lpr/lpr mice SLE mouse model. However, no effect on the cytokine expression levels in moribund mice was observed. From these experiments we concluded that CMX-13 acts as an immunosuppressant by the induction of apoptosis on T-cells. We recommend further study on the effect of CMX-13 on the molecular mechanism of apoptosis.