Thymosin Alpha-1 10mg

Compound Name: Thymosin-alpha 1

Synonyms: Tα1; Thymalfasin; Zadaxin

CAS Number: 62304-98-7

Molecular Formula: C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅

Molecular Weight: 3180.3 g/mol

Structure: Linear peptide of 28 amino acids

Peptide Sequence: Ac-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Lys-Glu-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-Gln-Glu-Glu-OH

Chemical Structure:

Source: PubChem

Mechanism of Action: Thymosin-alpha 1 acts as a potent immunomodulator by targeting toll-like receptors (TLR-2 and TLR-9) on dendritic and myeloid cells, thereby amplifying both innate and adaptive immune responses. It promotes the differentiation and maturation of T-cell progenitors into active CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, stimulates the production of multiple cytokines (such as IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-α, and IFN-γ), and enhances natural killer cell activity. These actions lead to increased immunosurveillance, enhanced antigen presentation, and suppression of excessive inflammatory responses, underpinning its therapeutic utility in viral infections, cancer, and immune dysfunction^1-4.

Biological Activity: Thymosin-alpha 1 has demonstrated broad biological activities, including antiviral, anti-tumor, and immune-boosting effects. It enhances T cell-mediated immunity, boosts the functional capacity of natural killer cells, modulates cytokine profiles to favor anti-pathogenic activity, promotes the maturation of antigen-presenting cells, reduces oxidative stress, and serves as a vaccine adjuvant to increase immunogenicity. Clinically, its favorable safety profile has been well established across infectious, oncologic, and autoimmune diseases^1-3.

Storage: Store at -20°C. For long-term storage, keep below -180°C in a desiccated form. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles; if reconstituted, store at 4°C for no longer than 7 days

Drug Categories: Immunomodulator; Biological response modifier; Peptide therapeutic; Antiviral agent; Anticancer agent; Vaccine adjuvant

Additional Notes: For research use only.

Summary Table:

Disclaimer: For Research Use Only. Not intended for human or veterinary use. This compound is supplied solely for laboratory and R&D purposes.

Detailed Product Description

Thymosin-alpha 1 is a synthetic peptide modeled after a naturally occurring thymic hormone fundamental to immune health. Comprising 28 amino acids, this compound is designed to amplify both innate and adaptive immunity with precision. Thymosin-alpha 1 acts primarily by engaging toll-like receptors (TLR-2 and TLR-9) on dendritic and myeloid cells, triggering signaling pathways that enhance antigen presentation, cytokine production, and maturation of T lymphocytes. These actions culminate in increased antiviral and antitumor immunity, restoration of immune competence in immunodeficient settings, and modulation of excessive inflammatory responses. Extensive preclinical and human studies have shown that thymosin-alpha 1 not only improves T-cell numbers and activity but also boosts natural killer cell function and overall immune surveillance^1-3.

The clinical utility of Thymosin-alpha 1 spans a range of diseases, including chronic viral infections, cancer, sepsis, and immunodeficiency conditions. Its safety profile is well-substantiated across more than 11,000 subjects—adverse effects are rare, typically limited to mild local irritation at injection sites, with no severe systemic toxicity reported. Thymosin-alpha 1 is also used as an adjuvant to enhance vaccine responses, particularly in elderly or immunocompromised populations. Supplied as a lyophilized powder for research use, thymosin-alpha 1’s excellent stability and high purity (>95%) make it ideal for laboratory and preclinical applications exploring immune modulation, cancer immunotherapy, infectious diseases, and vaccine development^1-4.

Research Highlights

• Demonstrates potent immunomodulatory effects: Thymosin-alpha 1 enhances both innate and adaptive immune responses by activating TLR-2 and TLR-9 pathways, leading to increased T-cell maturation, proliferation, and natural killer (NK) cell activity^1,2.
• Broad therapeutic potential: Shown efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies for treating viral infections (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV), sepsis, and various cancers, often improving disease outcomes and reducing relapse rates^1,4.
• Excellent safety profile: Clinical data from thousands of subjects show minimal adverse effects, with no significant toxicity even across long-term use and diverse patient populations^1,3.
• Versatile laboratory applications: Used as a vaccine adjuvant, in studies of immune restoration, and as a tool for investigating immunopathology and anti-cancer mechanisms in vitro and in vivo^1-4.

Mechanism of Action

Toll-Like Receptor 9 (TLR-9) Agonism

• Activates antigen-presenting cells: Thymosin-alpha 1 binds to TLR-9 on dendritic and myeloid cells, triggering downstream signaling via MyD88, TRAF6, and NF-κB pathways, resulting in the upregulation of antigen presentation and costimulatory molecules
• Potentiates Th1 responses: TLR-9 signaling leads to increased IL-12 and interferon (IFN-α, IFN-γ) production, promoting a Th1-dominant immune environment that enhances anti-viral and anti-tumor activity^3,4.
• Boosts vaccine responses: Stimulation of TLR-9 by thymosin-alpha 1 improves vaccine immunogenicity by increasing both cellular and humoral responses, facilitating more robust protection against pathogens^2,3.

Toll-Like Receptor 2 (TLR-2) Agonism

• Broadens innate immune activation: Agonism of TLR-2 leads to greater recognition and response against a variety of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens through activation of p38 MAPK and increased cytokine production^1-3.
• Modulates cytokine balance: TLR-2 activation skews cytokine production toward IL-2, IL-10, and IL-12, supporting both inflammatory and regulatory arms of the immune system, which is beneficial in infections and immune dysfunction^1,2.
• Enhances dendritic cell and natural killer (NK) cell function: TLR-2 signaling amplifies antigen presentation and cytotoxic response, driving more effective clearance of infected or malignant cells³.

Lymphocyte Surface Receptor (Unidentified Peptide Receptor)

• Promotes T cell maturation and proliferation: Thymosin-alpha 1 interacts with yet-unidentified peptide receptors on T lymphocytes, inducing differentiation into CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, and restoring balance in immune cell populations^2,4.
• Increases cytotoxic activity: Binding to these receptors stimulates the functional capacity of CD8+ T cells and NK cells, promoting direct killing of virally infected or cancerous cells^1,4.
• Augments MHC class I expression: Induces upregulation of MHC class I and tumor antigen presentation on target cells, making them more visible to the host immune system for surveillance and elimination¹.

Cytokine and Immune Pathway Modulation (Downstream of Receptor Signaling)

• Regulates inflammation: By decreasing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, thymosin-alpha 1 helps prevent excessive immune responses seen in chronic infection or autoimmune flares^1,3.
• Increases anti-viral effector molecules: Induces interferons and chemokines that directly inhibit viral replication and spread, supporting resolution of acute and chronic infections².
• Restores immune function in immunodeficiency: By promoting lymphocyte recovery and normalization of cytokine networks, thymosin-alpha 1 has demonstrated efficacy in immune-compromised states (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression)⁴.

Pharmacokinetic Profile:

• Route of Administration: Subcutaneous injection, Intramuscular injection
• Dosing Frequency: 2-3x per week
• Half-Life: The reported half-life of thymosin-alpha 1 in human plasma is approximately 2 hours; however, its immunomodulatory effects can persist longer due to downstream activation of immune pathways.

Formulation & Handling

• Supplied as a lyophilized powder at >95%, reconstitute with sterile water or appropriate buffer using aseptic technique.
• Store lyophilized powder at -20°C (long-term); avoid moisture and light. Store reconstituted solution at 4°C and use within 7 days.
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Selected Clinical Trial Activity

References

¹Dominari, A., Hathaway, D., Pandav, K., et al. Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literature. World J Virol 9, 67–78 (2020).

²Li, J., Liu, C.H., Wang, F.S. Thymosin alpha 1: biological activities, applications and genetic engineering production. Peptides 31, 2151–2158 (2010).

³Dinetz, E., Lee, E. Comprehensive Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Thymosin Alpha 1 in Human Clinical Trials. Altern Ther Health Med 30, 6–12 (2024).

⁴King, R., Tuthill, C. Immune Modulation with Thymosin Alpha 1 Treatment. Vitam Horm 102, 151–178 (2016).