Enzymatic self-assembly of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM)

Here we show the first example of an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM), LYYYYL, as well as its enantiomeric or retro-inverso peptide, to self-assemble in water via enzyme-instructed self-assembly. Upon enzymatic dephosphorylation, the phosphohexapeptides become hexapeptides, which self-assemble in water to result in supramolecular hydrogels. This work illustrates a new approach to design bioinspired soft materials from a less explored, but important pool of immunomodulatory peptides.