Immunoactive peptides, FK-156 and FK-565. I. Enhancement of host resistance to microbial infection in mice.

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Abstract
The protective effect of an immunoactive peptide, D-lactoyl-L-alanyl-.gamma.-D-glutamyl-(L)-meso-diaminopimelyl-(L)-glycine (FK-156) and a related compound, heptanoyl-.gamma.-D-glutamyl-(L)-meso-diaminopimelyl-(D)-alanine (FK-565) was determined in mice with various microbial infections. FK-156 and FK-565 were given to mice s.c. or orally before challenge. The drugs significantly enhanced the defense of mice against acute systemic infections induced by various extracellular and facultative intracellular organisms, and s.c. abscess by Staphylococcus aureus. The protective effect of these drugs against Escherichia coli infection differed considerably depending on administration route; FK-156 was only effective by the parenteral route; FK-565 was effective both parenterally and orally. After s.c. dosing with FK-156, the enhancement of host defense of mice against E. coli infection was more rapid than against Listeria infection. The enhancing effects of FK-156 and FK-565 on host defense of mice against pseudomonal infection was more potent than other immunoactive drugs.