Anti-Inflammatory Peptide
A peptide compound that reduces or modulates inflammatory responses. Corticotropin has anti-inflammatory effects mediated through adrenal steroid production. Some research peptides are investigated for direct anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical models of tissue injury and autoimmune disease.
Technical Context
Anti-inflammatory peptide mechanisms: (1) Corticotropin (ACTH) — stimulates adrenal cortisol production (cortisol is the body's primary anti-inflammatory hormone, suppressing NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors) PLUS direct melanocortin receptor activation on immune cells (MC1R, MC3R on macrophages — suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and promoting anti-inflammatory phenotype). (2) Cyclosporine — inhibiting T cell activation via calcineurin/NFAT pathway, reducing T cell-driven inflammation. (3) Glatiramer acetate — shifting immune response from pro-inflammatory Th1/Th17 toward anti-inflammatory Th2/Treg, promoting BDNF production. (4) Research peptides — various sequences investigated for: NF-κB pathway inhibition, inflammasome suppression, macrophage polarisation (M1→M2 switching), and complement modulation. The distinction between immunosuppression (broadly reducing immune function — risk of infection) and immunomodulation (redirecting immune response without broad suppression — better safety profile) is important for evaluating anti-inflammatory peptide strategies.