OVERVIEW

Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a naturally occurring peptide derived from the thymus gland, discovered in 1972. It plays a critical role in immune system regulation, inflammation control, and disease resistance.

Research has identified Thymosin Alpha-1’s potential benefits in:

• Enhancing immune response and infection resistance
• Treating chronic viral infections, including Hepatitis B & C
• Regulating autoimmune disorders and reducing inflammation
• Improving vaccine efficacy in immunocompromised individuals
• Supporting cancer therapy by boosting immune surveillance

Due to its immunomodulatory properties, Thymosin Alpha-1 is widely studied for applications in immunotherapy, infectious disease management, and oncology.

RESEARCH

Immune Modulation & Infection Control

• Tα1 enhances T-cell maturation and activation, strengthening the adaptive immune response.
• Stimulates dendritic cells, promoting better antigen presentation and immune memory.
• Research shows that Tα1 can restore immune function even in individuals lacking a functional thymus, preventing recurrent infections.
• Potential application: Immunotherapy, infection prevention, and immune recovery support.

Hepatitis B & C Treatment

• Tα1 is approved in 35+ countries as a treatment for chronic Hepatitis B & C.
• It reduces viral replication, enhances immune response, and improves patient recovery rates.
• Clinical studies suggest that when combined with interferon-alpha, Tα1 enhances viral clearance and treatment efficacy.
• Potential application: Chronic viral infection management, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and emerging viral threats.

Cancer Therapy & Tumor Immunity

• Tα1 is under investigation as an adjuvant therapy for melanoma, lung cancer, and liver cancer.
• Boosts T-cell function and tumor surveillance, improving immune recovery post-chemotherapy.
• Clinical trials suggest improved survival rates and reduced tumor progression with Tα1 therapy.
• Potential application: Cancer immunotherapy and adjunct treatment for chemotherapy-induced immune suppression.

Sepsis & Septic Shock

• Sepsis is a life-threatening immune overreaction to infection, leading to organ failure and high mortality rates.
• Tα1 has been shown to modulate immune response, prevent excessive inflammation, and reduce sepsis-related mortality.
• Early studies suggest Tα1 could be an adjunct therapy for severe infections and immune dysregulation disorders.
• Potential application: Sepsis treatment and critical care medicine.

Vaccine Response Enhancement

• Tα1 increases vaccine efficacy, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
• Studies suggest Tα1 enhances antibody production and immune memory, improving response to vaccines such as avian influenza and HIV vaccines.
• Potential application: Improving vaccine effectiveness in at-risk populations, including the elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Neuroprotection & Cognitive Function

• Recent research suggests Tα1 may promote nerve growth and enhance cognitive function.
• Animal studies show improved learning, memory, and neuroplasticity following Tα1 administration.
• Potential application: Neurodegenerative disease research, cognitive enhancement, and brain health support.

Autoimmune Disease Management

• Tα1 helps regulate immune overactivity, making it a promising therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and lupus.
• It reduces excessive inflammation while preserving normal immune function, which is crucial in autoimmune disease treatment.
• Potential application: Autoimmune disorder management and inflammation control.

STRUCTURE

• Amino Acid 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
• CAS Registry Number: 62304-98-7
• Synonyms: Thymalfasin

CITATIONS

1. R. King & C. Tuthill Immune Modulation with Thymosin Alpha-1 Treatment. Vitam. Horm. (2016).
2. C. Zhang et al. Tα1 as an immune adjuvant in avian influenza vaccination. Microb. Pathog. (2018).
3. F. Pei et al. Thymosin Alpha-1 treatment for sepsis patients. Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. (2018).
4. G. Wang et al. Tα1 promotes neurogenesis and cognitive function in developing mice. Neurosci. Bull. (2017).
5. L. Romani et al. Tα1 activates dendritic cells for antifungal resistance via Toll-like receptor signaling. Blood (2004).
6. A. L. Goldstein & A. L. Goldstein. Emerging clinical applications of Thymosin Alpha-1. Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. (2009).
7. M. Maio et al. Tα1 in combination with chemotherapy improves survival in metastatic melanoma. J. Clin. Oncol. (2010).
8. R. Danielli et al. Clinical applications of Thymosin Alpha-1 in melanoma treatment. Ann. N. Y. Acad. Sci. (2012).
9. X. Shen et al. Development of a long-acting Thymosin Alpha-1 fusion protein for breast cancer treatment.Biomed. Pharmacother. (2018).
10. F. Wang et al. Tα1-Fc enhances immune function and reduces melanoma and breast cancer progression. Sci. Rep. (2018).