Thymosin Alpha-1 5mg

Thymosin Alpha-1 Peptide

Thymosin Alpha-1 peptide, also known as Thymosin Alpha, TA1, or T α 1, is a fragment of a protein molecule that has been widely studied for its potential implications with the immune system. Researchers have hypothesized that it contributes to the production of T-cells to mitigate and alleviate infection and bacterial spread.⁽¹⁾

Thymosin Alpha-1 is a naturally occurring polypeptide that is considered by researchers to potentially restore and enhance immune functions.⁽²⁾ Thymosin Alpha-1 is considered to be one of the polypeptides found in Thymosin Fraction 5, which is a crude extract of the thymus gland.⁽³⁾

Since its discovery, a synthetically developed form of Thymosin Alpha-1 has also been studied, researchers refer to the peptide as Thymalfasin.⁽²⁾ Thymalfasin is composed of 28 amino acids, similar to the naturally occurring Tα 1, and is derived from a longer polypeptide precursor composed of 113 amino acids, known as Prothymosin Alpha.⁽³⁾

Overview

The main aim of initial research into Thymosin Alpha-1⁽⁴⁾ was to understand and examine the immunomodulating potential of the peptide. Studies have suggested that the peptide may increase the concentration of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and cytokine production, which may possibly lead to increased immune responses. The peptide may also enhance the activity of natural killer cells and foster the expression of phenotypic markers on T cells, suggesting a multi-faceted role in modulating the immune response. The researchers posited that the peptide may also increase the expression of high-affinity receptors for interleukin-2. This could potentially lead to a more vigorous activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes.

Researchers speculate that Thymosin Alpha-1 may stimulate possible action by targeting the T-helper cells and cytotoxic T-cell populations.⁽³⁾ Tα 1 may possibly induce differentiation of the T-cells (thymocytes) and the terminal differentiation of the blood lymphocytes. Scientists posit that it may elevate the production of the natural killer cells and potentially stimulate cytokine mediated inflammation.⁽²⁾⁽³⁾ Furthermore, the peptide has been studied for its potential to enhance efficiency of macrophages and functions as the modulator of the alpha thrombin activity.⁽³⁾

Specifications

Molecular Formula: C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
Molecular Weight: 3108.31 g/mol
Other Known Titles: TA1, Tα1, Thymalfasin

Research and Clinical Studies

Thymosin Alpha-1 Peptide and Immune System

In a clinical study,⁽⁵⁾ 11 test subjects with different immune system dysfunctions were evaluated for the levels of their natural killer (NK) and lymphokine activated killer cells (LAK) present in their system. It was noted that the immunodeficient subjects demonstrated the mean LAK-cell activity of approximately 65% as compared to the control subjects. Upon presenting Thymosin Alpha-1 to the test subjects, researchers observed that it did not significantly improve the levels of NK or LAK cells. Only 3 test subjects were reported to exhibit improved LAK-cell activity by up to 30% whereas others were not significantly impacted.