Thymosin Alpha-1
What is Thymosin Alpha-1?
Thymosin Alpha-1 (known chemically as Tα1, Thymalfasin, or Zadaxin) is a naturally occurring, highly conserved 28-amino acid peptide derived from prothymosin alpha. Originally isolated from bovine thymus gland tissue (Thymosin Fraction 5), Tα1 features an N-terminal acetylated serine residue (`Ac-SDAAVDTSSEITTKDLKEKKEVVEEAEN-OH`). Unlike tissue-repair peptides that target structural extracellular matrices, Thymosin Alpha-1 functions as an immune system enhancer and biological response modifier. Researchers investigate Tα1 for its ability to stimulate T-cell maturation, upregulate Toll-like receptor signaling, enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity, and re-establish immune homeostasis in immunocompromised or virally challenged tissue models.
For laboratory and in vitro evaluation, researchers often choose to buy Thymosin Alpha-1 in high-purity lyophilized reference formats. Reconstituted solutions can be securely prepared using sterile laboratory buffers or a specialized reconstitution solution to maintain peptide structural stability and prevent hydrolytic degradation during automated cellular screening protocols.
Chemical and Molecular Data
| Compound Name | Thymosin Alpha-1 |
|---|---|
| Quantity / Formats | 2MG / 5MG / 10MG (Lyophilized Reference Formats) |
| Synonyms / Alt Names | Thymalfasin; Thymosin alpha 1; Thymosin alpha1 |
| CAS Number | 62304-98-7, 69521-94-4, 1337515-90-8 |
| Chemical Formula | C129H215N33O55 |
| Molecular Weight | 3108.3 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | (4S)-4-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-acetamido-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-5-[[(1S)-3-amino-1-carboxy-3-oxopropyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid |
| InChIKey | NZVYCXVTEHPMHE-ZSUJOUNUSA-N |
| SMILES Code | CC[C@H](C)[C@@H](C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)O)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCCCN)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](C(C)C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](C)C(=O)N[C@@H](CCC(=O)O)C(=O)N[C@@H](CC(=O)N)C(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CCC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)[C@H]([C@@H](C)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](C(C)C)NC(=O)[C@H](C)NC(=O)[C@H](C)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(=O)O)NC(=O)[C@H](CO)NC(=O)C |
What are the Mechanisms of Action?
The biochemical pathways and cellular targets of Thymosin Alpha-1 include:
- Toll-Like Receptor (TLR-7 & TLR-9) Activation: Research demonstrates that Tα1 acts as an agonist at TLR-7 and TLR-9 on immature myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells. This interaction triggers MyD88-dependent signaling cascades, driving dendritic cell maturation and initiating antigen presentation machinery.
- T-Cell Lineage Differentiation & Maturation: In addition to innate signaling, Tα1 promotes the differentiation of early thymic progenitor cells into mature CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. It simultaneously boosts interleukin-2 (IL-2) expression and high-affinity IL-2 receptor signaling, expanding active lymphocyte populations.
- MHC Class I & Cytokine Modulation: Studies indicate that Tα1 upregulates Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class I and glutathione expression in virus-infected and malignant cell lines. It balances pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways by increasing Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) while suppressing hyper-inflammatory IL-6 and TNF-α spikes under systemic stress.
What are the Clinical & Preclinical Trials on Thymosin Alpha-1?
When evaluating research efficacy and published experimental literature for Thymosin Alpha-1:
- Viral Hepatitis & Immunotherapy Clinical Trials: Human clinical trials evaluating Thymalfasin in chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) models demonstrated significant viral load clearance, sustained biochemical response rates, and normalized alanine aminotransferase (ALT) metrics when combined with standard antiviral protocols.
- Sepsis & Immunosuppression Recovery Assays: Multicenter randomized trials in severe sepsis models confirmed that Tα1 administration restored depressed HLA-DR expression on monocytes, reduced 28-day mortality rates, and accelerated lymphocyte recovery following sepsis-induced immune exhaustion.
- Toxicology & Systemic Safety Profile: Extensive toxicology profiles across human Phase 1-3 clinical trials confirm that Thymosin Alpha-1 exhibits exceptional tolerability with an absence of serious adverse events, bone marrow suppression, or systemic organ toxicity.
How does Thymosin Alpha-1 compare to other compounds?
To evaluate receptor targeting, functional pathways, and biological profiles, researchers compare Thymosin Alpha-1 against its structural sibling Thymosin Beta-4 and host-defense antimicrobial peptides:
| Compound / Variant | Primary Mechanism & Pathway | Sequence Length & Structure | Research Focus & Biological Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | TLR-7/9 Activation, T-Cell Maturation & MHC Class I Upregulation | 28-amino acid sequence (`Ac-SDAAVDTSSEITTKDLKEKKEVVEEAEN-OH`) | Primary immune system enhancer; focuses on adaptive immunity, viral defense, and dendritic cell maturation |
| Thymosin Beta-4 | G-Actin Monomer Sequestration, Angiogenesis & NF-κB Suppression | 43-amino acid sequence (`Ac-SDKPDMAEIEKFDKSKLKKTETQEKNPLPSKETIEQEKQAGES-OH`) | Primary tissue repair peptide; focuses on cell migration, wound healing, vascular sprouting, and anti-fibrotic tissue remodeling |
| LL-37 | Direct Microbial Membrane Disruption & LPS Neutralization | 37-amino acid amphipathic cathelicidin peptide fragment | Host-defense peptide targeting bacterial outer membranes and biofilm clearance, acting as a direct antimicrobial agent rather than an adaptive T-cell modulator |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the structural origin and chemical classification of Thymosin Alpha-1?
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to the N-terminal fragment of prothymosin alpha. It features an acetylated N-terminal serine residue that protects the peptide from immediate degradation by circulating plasma exopeptidases.
2. How does Thymosin Alpha-1 differ fundamentally from Thymosin Beta-4?
Although both were originally isolated from thymic tissue extracts, they serve entirely different biological functions. Thymosin Alpha-1 regulates adaptive immune responses, T-cell maturation, and dendritic cell signaling. In contrast, Thymosin Beta-4 regulates cell cytoskeleton dynamics, actin monomer sequestration, angiogenesis, and wound tissue repair.
3. Through what innate immune pathways does Thymosin Alpha-1 operate?
Tα1 acts as an agonist at Toll-like receptors 7 and 9 (TLR-7/TLR-9) on plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells. Activation triggers the MyD88 signaling cascade, promoting dendritic cell maturation, upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules, and initiation of primary immune responses.
4. What effect does Thymosin Alpha-1 have on adaptive T-lymphocytes and Natural Killer cells?
Tα1 accelerates the differentiation of double-negative thymocytes into mature CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. It increases endogenous interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) expression, enhancing cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses and natural killer (NK) cell lytic activity.
5. What are the proper reconstitution and storage protocols for Thymosin Alpha-1?
Lyophilized Thymosin Alpha-1 powder should be stored sealed at -20°C for long-term stability. For research use, the peptide should be reconstituted using a sterile solution or dedicated laboratory reconstitution solution. Once reconstituted, liquid solutions must be kept refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C and protected from light to maintain structural peptide integrity.
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Certificate of Analysis
Certificates of analysis are provided for laboratory research reference. Expand a batch below to view the PDF. Only the newest three COAs for this product are listed here.
Thymosin Alpha-1 10MG - Lot / Batch: BX-P-V3N7
- Mass Identification: Thymosin Alpha-1 confirmed
- Average Net Peptide: 12.74 mg
- Average Purity: 99.76%
- Endotoxin Threshold Results: Pass (assay sensitivity ≤0.05 EU/mL, both replicates Pass)
- Lot#: BX-P-V3N7
- Search Code: Esse2609020921
Search all COAs by batch number (includes older batches not shown above).
