PAR2 (1-6) is a synthetic peptide agonist of proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) that corresponds to residues 1-6 of the amino terminal tethered ligand sequence of mouse and rat PAR2. It also corresponds to residues 39-44 and 37-42 of the mouse and rat full-length sequences, respectively. PAR2 (1-6) induces relaxation in precontracted rat arteries in a concentration-dependent manner, an effect that can be reduced by the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NNA . It inhibits keratinocyte growth in the presence and absence of growth factors. PAR2 (1-6) inhibits LPS-induced pulmonary neutrophil influx and increases in matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity in mice.