Educational, research-use-only content. This article summarizes published scientific literature for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The compounds discussed are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not approved for human or veterinary use.
What is Thymosin Alpha-1?
Thymosin alpha-1 (also called thymalfasin) is a peptide originally isolated from thymic tissue and identified as the component that restored immune function in thymectomized mice. It is studied for its effects on multiple immune-cell types (King & Tuthill, 2016).
Immune-modulation research
According to a review of the field, Thymosin alpha-1 acts through Toll-like receptors on dendritic cells, activating signaling pathways and the production of immune-related cytokines. Preclinical and clinical studies have examined it in the context of immune suppression related to aging, infection, and cancer (King & Tuthill, 2016).
Regulatory status and limits
- Thymalfasin is approved as a medicine in a number of countries outside the United States, but it is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- As with all items discussed here, the product form is supplied for laboratory research use only.
References
According to PubMed:
- King R, Tuthill C. Immune Modulation with Thymosin Alpha 1 Treatment. Vitam Horm. 2016. doi:10.1016/bs.vh.2016.04.003
