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 demonstrate 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 E2,
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 E2 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.