Bestatin

Bestatin is a potent aminopeptidase inhibitor. The compound has multiple physiological functions including the ability to act as an immunomodifier and enhance the proliferation of human bone marrow granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells to form CFU-GM colonies. Research indicates that bestatin can indirectly act on monocytes by inhibiting Aminopeptidase B, which in turn inhibits the catabolism of tuftsin. Bestatin has also been shown to inhibit Leukotriene A₄ hydrolase (LTA4H). This compound has been demonstrated to bind to cell surfaces and research indicates that it can directly stimulate lymphocytes through its fixation on the cell surface. The agent has been used in multiple leukemia studies.