Thymosin Alpha 1 10MG

Description

Thymosin alpha-1 is a naturally occurring peptide fragment first identified in 1972. Since its discovery, it has been the subject of numerous clinical trials investigating its potential in the treatment of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, various infections (including tuberculosis and cytomegalovirus), respiratory disorders, chronic hepatitis, and cancer. Currently, Thymosin alpha-1 is approved for use in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C in 35 developing countries.

Thymosin Alpha-1 Structure

Source: PubChem

Sequence: Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn
Molecular Formula: C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
Molecular Weight: 3108.315 g/mol
PubChem CID: 16130571
CAS Number: 62304-98-7
Synonyms: Thymalfasin

Thymosin Alpha-1 Research

Thymosin Alpha-1 as a Modulator of Immune Function

Thymosin alpha-1, a peptide originally isolated from thymus gland tissue, is a powerful regulator of immune activity. The thymus plays a critical role in producing and maturing T-cells, essential components of the adaptive immune system. T-cells help the body recognize and remember past infections while enhancing the activity of other immune cells to strengthen the overall immune response.

Studies in mice lacking thymus glands have demonstrated that thymosin alpha-1 alone can restore immune function and prevent widespread infection. This peptide acts on fundamental immune pathways, activating signaling cascades and promoting the production of cytokines and other mediators essential for coordinating immune cell functions. In essence, thymosin alpha-1 exerts broad, positive effects on immune system performance.

One promising application of thymosin alpha-1 is in vaccine enhancement. Many current vaccines rely on inactivated (non-living) pathogens, as live-attenuated vaccines can carry safety risks. However, inactivated vaccines typically elicit weaker immune responses. Thymosin alpha-1 has the potential to enhance the immune system’s response to these vaccines, potentially improving the strength and longevity of immunity. This could be particularly valuable in the context of high-risk diseases such as avian influenza and HIV.

Thymosin alpha-1 also shows therapeutic potential in the management of sepsis—a life-threatening condition caused by an excessive immune response to infection. By modulating the immune system, thymosin alpha-1 may help reduce inflammation and tissue damage associated with sepsis. Early research suggests that it can lower mortality and minimize long-term complications. While further studies are needed, these findings indicate that thymosin alpha-1 may become a viable adjuvant therapy for sepsis.

Thymosin Alpha-1 and Nervous System Development

Beyond its role in immunity, thymosin alpha-1 may also influence the development and maintenance of the central nervous system. The immune system is closely linked to brain health, particularly during early development. Research in animal models suggests that thymosin alpha-1 promotes neurodevelopment and may enhance cognitive function when administered peripherally.

This effect appears to stem from thymosin alpha-1’s ability to regulate genes involved in neuron growth and synapse formation. It also fosters a neuroprotective environment by suppressing inflammatory pathways and reducing neuronal dysfunction. These properties make thymosin alpha-1 a promising candidate for addressing neurodevelopmental challenges, such as those seen in cerebral palsy.

A. 4-week-old mice given thymosin alpha-1 learn how to escape from mazes faster.
Source: PubMed

Thymosin Alpha-1 Fights Fungus

Dendritic cells, a specific type of cell in the immune system, are important in helping the immune system to recognize fungal infections. Thymosin alpha-1 has been shown to induce maturation of dendritic cells, thereby boosting the ability of the immune system to fight fungal infections^[5]. The peptide has also been found to activate T-helper cells in mouse models of aspergillus infection, a type of server fungus. Scientists hope to use thymosin alpha-1 as an adjuvant therapy to boost the effectiveness of standard anti-fungal treatments.

The role of thymosin alpha-1 in regulating dendritic cells cannot be overstated. Dendritic cells are responsible for taking antigens, bits of invading bugs like bacteria and fungi, and presenting them to other immune system cells in a way that makes it easy for those cells to recognize the antigens and respond appropriately. Dendritic cells are found in high numbers in the skin, nose, lungs, and GI system where they act as one of the first responders of the immune system. By regulating dendritic cells, thymosin alpha-1 affects immune system functioning at one of its most fundamental levels^[6].

Thymosin Alpha-1 and Hepatitis

Thymosin alpha-1 is an effective and highly affordable treatment against chronic hepatitis B and C infections. It is also an effective immune stimulant and can be co-administered with vaccines for both viruses to improve efficacy. Thymosin alpha-1 is currently approved for treatment of hepatitis B and C in over 35 different countries^[7].

Thymosin Alpha-1 and HIV

Even though antiretroviral therapy has come a long way since HIV was first discovered in the 1980s, complete restoration of immune function is still not possible. Oddly enough, antiretroviral therapy itself has been linked to certain deficits in the immune response (particularly cytotoxic T-cells) as well as to persistent inflammatory conditions. Research shows that thymosin alpha-1 may be of benefit in this particular population, helping to restore immune regulation and improving overall quality of life for individuals taking highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)^[8].

Interestingly, thymosin alpha-1 may also boost the ability of the body to fight HIV infection. It appears that the peptide stimulates CD8 T-cells to release a number of factors that inhibit HIV infection of other immune cells and prevent latent HIV from becoming active^[9].

Thymosin Alpha-1 Research and Blood Pressure

New research indicates that thymosin alpha-1 blocks angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and thus can reduce blood pressure^[10]. ACE is a common target of prescription drugs, like lisinopril, in certain individuals with high blood pressure. Inhibition of ACE has been shown to not only lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, but can also reduce cardiac remodeling, slow the progression of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup), and improve kidney function. Unfortunately, most ACE inhibitors come with a number of side effects. It is possible that thymosin alpha-1 may offer the benefits of ACE inhibition without the side effects caused by currently available drugs.

Thymosin Alpha-1 Research and Cancer

Research using human lung cancer cells (A549) indicates that thymosin alpha-1 has anti-proliferative effects, reducing both the growth and metastasis of cancerous cells. The peptide also appears to reduce cell migration, which can help to reduce penetration of cancer cells into surrounding tissue (i.e. invasion)^[11].

Research combining thymosin alpha-1 with dacarbazine, a common chemotherapy, showed an increase in progression-free survival rates and no increase in rates of toxicity^{[12], [13]}. This indicates that thymosin alpha-1 boosts the effects of the chemotherapy in reducing cell proliferation. Given the peptide’s natural occurrence, it isn’t unreasonable to speculate that it may one day form part of the basis of a cancer vaccine designed to prevent tumor development rather than treat cancer after it has already occurred.

Recently, scientists developed a long-acting version of thymosin alpha-1 and tested it against breast cancer cells in mice. Results showed that the modified thymosin alpha-1 molecule was even more effective in inhibiting growth of breast cancer cells. The modified peptide appeared to boost levels of CD4 and CD8 cells while simultaneously increasing interferon gamma and interleukin-2 levels. This was particularly important in patients being treated with steroids for the swelling caused by certain cancers^{[14], [15]}.

Thymosin alpha-1 has been tested and is undergoing active testing in a number of different cancers. Positive results have been seen in

• breast cancer,
• melanoma,
• liver cancer,
• lung cancer, and
• colon cancer.

Thymosin Alpha-1 Research and Inflammatory Pain

Inflammatory pain is transmitted through specific pathways in the peripheral and central nervous system. Given the strong anti-inflammatory effects of thymosin alpha-1, scientists speculated that the molecule could effectively reduce pain as well. Research in mice suggests that this is indeed true and has even identified the specific pathways that thymosin alpha-1 interferes with. It turns out that thymosin alpha-1 acts directly at the sight of inflammation to reduce the production of cytokines and other molecules (e.g. TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, etc.) that trigger pain in the first place^[16]. This mechanism of action is drastically different from typical anti-inflammatory pain relievers and may offer improved pain relief with fewer side effects than existing drugs.

Thymosin Alpha-1 and Cystic Fibrosis

One of the primary complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) is rampant inflammation that leads to poor mucous clearance, increased rates of infection, and other problems. All of these problems stem from a mis-folding of a specific protein called CFTR. Research indicates that thymosin alpha-1 can reduce inflammation and even improve function of the CFTR protein^[17]. There is hope that the peptide may offer an effective single-molecule therapeutic approach to treating CF.

Damaged Teeth and Thymosin Alpha-1

Research into the benefits of thymosin alpha-1 in the setting of avulsed (pulled out) and replanted permanent front teeth indicates that the peptide can improve healing of the gums and soft tissue surrounding the injury and promotes survival of the replanted tooth^[18]. Though more research is required, the findings indicate that thymosin alpha-1 may be of huge benefit in the setting of traumatic tooth damage, making it easier for dentists to rescue teeth that have been knocked out.

Referenced Citations

1. R. King and C. Tuthill, “Immune Modulation with Thymosin Alpha 1 Treatment,” Vitam. Horm., vol. 102, pp. 151–178, 2016.
2. C. Zhang, J. Zhou, K. Cai, W. Zhang, C. Liao, and C. Wang, “Gene cloning, expression and immune adjuvant properties of the recombinant fusion peptide Tα1-BLP on avian influenza inactivate virus vaccine,” Microb. Pathog., vol. 120, pp. 147–154, Jul. 2018.
3. F. Pei, X. Guan, and J. Wu, “Thymosin alpha 1 treatment for patients with sepsis,” Expert Opin. Biol. Ther., vol. 18, no. sup1, pp. 71–76, 2018.
4. G. Wang et al., “Immunopotentiator Thymosin Alpha-1 Promotes Neurogenesis and Cognition in the Developing Mouse via a Systemic Th1 Bias,” Neurosci. Bull., vol. 33, no. 6, pp. 675–684, Dec. 2017.
5. L. Romani et al., “Thymosin α 1 activates dendritic cells for antifungal Th1 resistance through Toll-like receptor signaling,” Blood, vol. 103, no. 11, pp. 4232–4239, Jun. 2004.
6. L. Romani et al., “Thymosin alpha1: an endogenous regulator of inflammation, immunity, and tolerance,” Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., vol. 1112, pp. 326–338, Sep. 2007.
7. A. L. Goldstein and A. L. Goldstein, “From lab to bedside: emerging clinical applications of thymosin alpha 1,” Expert Opin. Biol. Ther., vol. 9, no. 5, pp. 593–608, May 2009.
8. C. Matteucci et al., “Thymosin alpha 1 and HIV-1: recent advances and future perspectives,” Future Microbiol., vol. 12, pp. 141–155, 2017.
9. C. Matteucci et al., “Thymosin α 1 potentiates the release by CD8(+) cells of soluble factors able to inhibit HIV-1 and human T lymphotropic virus 1 infection in vitro,” Expert Opin. Biol. Ther., vol. 15 Suppl 1, pp. S83-100, 2015.
10. J. Kharazmi-Khorassani, A. Asoodeh, and H. Tanzadehpanah, “Antioxidant and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of thymosin alpha-1 (Thα1) peptide,” Bioorganic Chem., vol. 87, pp. 743–752, Jun. 2019.
11. J. Kharazmi-Khorassani and A. Asoodeh, “Thymosin alpha-1; a natural peptide inhibits cellular proliferation, cell migration, the level of reactive oxygen species and promotes the activity of antioxidant enzymes in human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cell line (A549),” Environ. Toxicol., May 2019.
12. M. Maio et al., “Large randomized study of thymosin alpha 1, interferon alfa, or both in combination with dacarbazine in patients with metastatic melanoma,” J. Clin. Oncol. Off. J. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol., vol. 28, no. 10, pp. 1780–1787, Apr. 2010.
13. R. Danielli, E. Fonsatti, L. Calabrò, A. M. Di Giacomo, and M. Maio, “Thymosin α1 in melanoma: from the clinical trial setting to the daily practice and beyond,” Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci., vol. 1270, pp. 8–12, Oct. 2012.
14. X. Shen et al., “Generation of a novel long-acting thymosin alpha1-Fc fusion protein and its efficacy for the inhibition of breast cancer in vivo,” Biomed. Pharmacother. Biomedecine Pharmacother., vol. 108, pp. 610–617, Dec. 2018.
15. F. Wang, T. Yu, H. Zheng, and X. Lao, “Thymosin Alpha1-Fc Modulates the Immune System and Down-regulates the Progression of Melanoma and Breast Cancer with a Prolonged Half-life,” Sci. Rep., vol. 8, no. 1, p. 12351, Aug. 2018.
16. Y. Xu et al., “Thymosin Alpha-1 Inhibits Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Pain and Production of Microglia-Mediated Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Spinal Cord,” Neurosci. Bull., Feb. 2019.
17. L. Romani et al., “Thymosin α1 represents a potential potent single-molecule-based therapy for cystic fibrosis,” Nat. Med., vol. 23, no. 5, pp. 590–600, May 2017.
18. P. F. Day, M. Duggal, and H. Nazzal, “Interventions for treating traumatised permanent front teeth: avulsed (knocked out) and replanted,” Cochrane Database Syst. Rev., vol. 2, p. CD006542, 05 2019.
19. M. Schmidt et al., “Design of a substrate-tailored peptiligase variant for the efficient synthesis of thymosin-α1,” Org. Biomol. Chem., vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 609–618, 24 2018.