What is Thymosin Alpha-1?
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino acid acetylated peptide originally isolated from thymic tissue (Thymosin Fraction 5) by Allan Goldstein at the George Washington University in the 1970s. It is a potent immunomodulatory peptide that has been approved in over 35 countries under the brand name Zadaxin (thymalfasin) for the treatment of hepatitis B and C, and as an immune system adjuvant. Tα1 is the first thymic peptide to achieve widespread clinical use and has been investigated in over 100 clinical trials across infectious diseases, immunodeficiency, and oncology supportive care. The peptide acts primarily through Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling to activate dendritic cells and promote T-cell maturation and differentiation. It does not directly stimulate immune cells but rather modulates the immune response toward appropriate activation, making it an immunomodulator rather than a simple immune stimulant.
Mechanism of Action
Thymosin Alpha-1 has been investigated for its immunomodulatory activity through Toll-like receptor signaling pathways. Researchers observed that Tα1 activates TLR2 and TLR9 on dendritic cells, promoting MyD88-dependent signaling and NF-κB/IRF7 transcription factor activation. This leads to dendritic cell maturation, upregulation of MHC class I and II molecules, and increased production of IL-12 and IFN-α. Studies suggest that the activated dendritic cells then promote T-cell differentiation, enhancing both Th1 (cellular immunity) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. Tα1 also increases natural killer (NK) cell activity and modulates the Th1/Th2 balance toward Th1-predominant immunity. In addition to TLR-mediated effects, researchers observed that Tα1 enhances T-cell development in the thymus through effects on thymocyte differentiation markers. The peptide has also been investigated for its ability to restore immune competence in immunosuppressed states by promoting thymic regeneration and peripheral T-cell reconstitution.
Published Research
TLR Signaling
Romani et al. (2012) characterized Thymosin Alpha-1’s mechanism through TLR2 and TLR9 activation on dendritic cells, demonstrating MyD88-dependent immune modulation and enhanced T-cell differentiation [1].
Clinical Hepatitis B
Chien et al. (1998) investigated Thymosin Alpha-1 in chronic hepatitis B and demonstrated improved viral clearance rates compared to standard therapy, contributing to its clinical approval in multiple countries [2].
Immunodeficiency
Goldstein et al. (2009) reviewed 30 years of Thymosin Alpha-1 research, summarizing clinical data across hepatitis, immunodeficiency, and oncology supportive care applications [3].
Product Specifications
| Product | Thymosin Alpha-1 Lyophilized Powder |
|---|---|
| Available Sizes | 5mg, 10mg |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| CAS Number | 62304-98-7 |
| Sequence | Ac-SDAAVDTSSEITTKDLKEKKEVVEEAEN |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 3,108.27 g/mol |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder in glass vial |
| Storage | Store lyophilized at -20°C. Reconstituted solution at 2-8°C, use within 14 days. |
| Testing | Third-party tested — Certificate of Analysis available |
Frequently Asked Questions
Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino acid immunomodulatory peptide approved in over 35 countries as Zadaxin. It activates TLR signaling on dendritic cells to promote T-cell immunity.
The CAS registry number for Thymosin Alpha-1 is 62304-98-7.
No. Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino acid immunomodulatory peptide acting through TLR signaling. Thymosin Beta-4 is a 43-amino acid actin-sequestering peptide with different functions.
Store lyophilized at -20°C. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C and use within 14 days.
Yes, Thymosin Alpha-1 (thymalfasin/Zadaxin) is approved in over 35 countries, primarily for hepatitis B/C treatment and immune system support.
Tu03b11 activates TLR2 and TLR9 on dendritic cells, promoting their maturation and enhancing T-cell differentiation, NK cell activity, and Th1-type immune responses.
References
- Romani L, et al. Thymosin α1 activates dendritic cell tryptophan catabolism and establishes a regulatory environment for balance of inflammation and tolerance. Blood. 2006;108(7):2265-2274. PMID: 16788097
- Chien RN, et al. Long-term efficacy of thymalfasin in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1998;13(S1):S34-S38.
- Goldstein AL, et al. From lab to bedside: emerging clinical applications of thymosin alpha 1. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2009;9(5):593-608. PMID: 19392576
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