Molecular Formula - C129H215N33O55
Molecular Weight - 3108.3 u
Research Category - Immunology Research
Purity - 99%
Lab Tested - Yes
FULL CHEMICAL NAME
Thymosin Alpha-1, also known as Tα1, is a synthetic nonapeptide with the full chemical name L-seryl-L-aspartyl-L-alanyl-L-alanyl-L-valyl-L-aspartyl-L-threonyl-L-seryl-L-seryl-L-glutamyl-L-isoleucyl-L-threonyl-L-threonyl-L-lysyl-L-aspartyl-L-leucyl-L-lysyl-L-glutamyl-L-lysyl-L-lysyl-L-glutamyl-L-valyl-L-valine, abbreviated as Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val. Structurally, it consists of 28 amino acids derived from the thymosin fraction 5 of the thymus gland, with a free N-terminus and C-terminus, conferring stability. Its molecular weight is approximately 3108.3 Da, featuring standard peptide bonds that enable its immunomodulatory effects via T-cell activation and cytokine modulation.
ALIASES
Thymosin Alpha-1 is commonly known as Tα1, reflecting its status as the primary active peptide in thymosin fraction 5, or simply Thymosin Alpha-1, its standard scientific designation. It’s occasionally referred to as thymic peptide or immune modulator due to its thymic origin and immune-enhancing properties—nomenclature ties it to its immunomodulatory role.
EMERGING TRENDS IN RESEARCH
Emerging trends in Thymosin Alpha-1 research extend beyond its established immune-boosting role, exploring anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-aging applications. Hypotheses suggest it enhances T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell activity, improving immune response in chronic viral infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV) via IL-2 and IFN-γ upregulation (Goldstein et al., 1981). Studies probe its anti-tumor potential, with preclinical data indicating reduced tumor growth (e.g., melanoma, lymphoma) through apoptosis induction and cytokine modulation (Tuthill et al., 2010). Neuroprotective effects are under investigation, with rodent models hinting at reduced neuroinflammation and cognitive decline via T-cell regulation (Zanetti, 2004). Emerging interest also explores its role in wound healing and tissue regeneration, though human data remains limited, urging clinical validation (You et al., 2015)./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Researchers are studying Thymosin Alpha-1 for boosting immunity in viral infections and cancer, possibly protecting brain health, and aiding skin or tissue repair—promising ideas needing more human studies.
NOTABLE INTERACTIONS
Thymosin Alpha-1 interacts primarily with T-cell receptors and Toll-like receptors (TLRs), enhancing IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α production via NF-κB and MAPK pathways, without direct receptor binding (Goldstein et al., 1981). It boosts NK cell cytotoxicity and dendritic cell maturation, synergizing with interferons for antiviral effects, but shows no significant interaction with dopamine, serotonin, or opioid systems (Tuthill et al., 2010). Its stability is enhanced by its sequence, resisting proteolysis—its mechanism is immunomodulatory and antiviral (Zanetti, 2004).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 works with immune cells to boost infection fighters and cancer defenses, without affecting mood chemicals—it focuses on immunity.
MEASURES OF EFFICACY
In humans with hepatitis C, Thymosin Alpha-1 (1.6 mg, subcutaneous) increases CD4+ T-cell counts by 30–40% and viral clearance by 20–25% over 24 weeks (Sherman et al., 1998). In mice, 200 µg/kg (intraperitoneal) reduces tumor volume by 35–45% in melanoma models (Tuthill et al., 2010). In vitro, 10⁻⁶ M enhances NK cell activity by 25–35% in lymphocyte cultures (Goldstein et al., 1981). Limited data in elderly subjects show 15–20% immune function improvement—metrics highlight its immune potency (You et al., 2015).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
In people with hepatitis C, Thymosin Alpha-1 (1.6 mg) lifts immune cells by 30–40% and clears virus by 20–25% in 6 months. In mice, 200 µg/kg cuts cancer growth by 35–45%. In lab tests, it boosts immune killers by 25–35%. In older people, it improves immunity by 15–20%—clear effects.
CONTRAINDICATIONS OR WARNINGS FOR RESEARCH USE
Thymosin Alpha-1 carries standard research caveats: ‘Not for human consumption outside approved contexts,’ ‘For laboratory use only,’ and requires IRB/IACUC compliance. As an investigational peptide, it’s unregulated for therapeutic use—research focuses on non-clinical models. No unique toxicity is reported at typical doses, though mild injection-site reactions (redness, 5–10%) may occur (Sherman et al., 1998)./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 has lab warnings: ‘Not for eating unless approved’ and ‘Research only.’ It’s experimental, not a drug—use carefully. It’s generally safe, but shots might cause slight redness.
PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS
Reconstitute Thymosin Alpha-1 in sterile bacteriostatic water at 1 mg/mL under aseptic conditions—its linear structure offers moderate stability (half-life ~2–4 hours in vivo). Store lyophilized powder at -20°C, desiccated and light-protected; post-reconstitution, keep at 2–8°C and use within 2–4 weeks. For subcutaneous studies, dilute to 1–2 mg/mL in saline—avoid freeze-thaw cycles to maintain peptide integrity (Goldstein et al., 1981).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Mix Thymosin Alpha-1 in sterile water with a preservative (1 mg/mL) and keep it clean. Store dry at -20°C away from light and moisture. After mixing, refrigerate and use within 2–4 weeks. For shots, thin it to 1–2 mg/mL—keep it stable.
CLINICAL TRIALS AND HUMAN RESEARCH
No formal Western clinical trials for Thymosin Alpha-1 exist as of February 20, 2025—human data stems from Asian and European studies. Doses of 1.6 mg (subcutaneous) in hepatitis C patients improve immune response by 30–40% over 24 weeks (Sherman et al., 1998). Preclinical studies dominate, including mice (Tuthill et al., 2010), rats (Zanetti, 2004), and in vitro immune cultures (Goldstein et al., 1981). Regulatory gaps limit global validation./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 hasn’t had major Western human tests by February 20, 2025—studies in Asia and Europe show it boosts immunity by 30–40% in hepatitis C in 6 months. It’s mostly tested in mice, rats, and lab cells—more human proof is needed./p>
EFFECTS ON DIFFERENT TISSUE TYPES
Thymosin Alpha-1 primarily affects immune tissues, enhancing T-cell and NK cell activity in the thymus, lymph nodes, and periphery (Goldstein et al., 1981). It may reduce neuroinflammation in brain tissue via cytokine modulation and supports wound healing in skin models—immune-focused effects predominate (Tuthill et al., 2010).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 mainly boosts immune cells in the thymus and body, possibly calms brain inflammation, and might help skin heal—mostly for immunity.
EFFICACY IN ANIMAL MODELS
In mice, Thymosin Alpha-1 (200 µg/kg) reduces tumor volume by 35–45% and boosts NK cells by 25–35% (Tuthill et al., 2010). In rats, 100 µg/kg improves memory by 15–20% under stress (Zanetti, 2004)—consistent immune efficacy.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
In mice, Thymosin Alpha-1 (200 µg/kg) cuts cancer growth by 35–45% and lifts immune killers by 25–35%. In rats, 100 µg/kg boosts memory by 15–20% under stress—strong animal results./p>
FUTURE RESEARCH
Future Thymosin Alpha-1 research could explore antiviral efficacy in COVID-19, cancer immunotherapy, or neuroprotection in Alzheimer’s via immune modulation (Tuthill et al., 2010). Synergy with interferons or checkpoint inhibitors might enhance effects—human trials are critical next steps./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Future studies might test Thymosin Alpha-1 for virus defense, cancer treatment, or brain protection using its immune signals. Combining it with other immune helpers could be next—more human research is needed.
HISTORY OF MODELS TESTED
Thymosin Alpha-1 has been tested in mice (Tuthill et al., 2010), rats (Zanetti, 2004), in vitro immune cultures (Goldstein et al., 1981), and limited human trials (Sherman et al., 1998).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 has been studied in mice, rats, lab immune cells, and some people tests./p>
OXICITY DATA AVAILABLE
No LD50 data exists for Thymosin Alpha-1—rat doses up to 500 µg/kg show no acute toxicity, with no organ damage or behavioral changes (Zanetti, 2004). Human doses (1.6 mg) report mild injection-site redness (5–10%)—safety appears robust (Sherman et al., 1998).
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
There’s no danger limit for Thymosin Alpha-1—rats handle 500 µg/kg with no harm, and people at 1.6 mg might get slight redness at the shot site. It looks safe based on studies./p>
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Thymosin Alpha-1 enhances T-cell and NK cell activity via NF-κB/MAPK, upregulating IL-2 and IFN-γ, without direct receptor binding (Goldstein et al., 1981). It may reduce neuroinflammation via cytokine suppression—immune and neuroregulatory action (Tuthill et al., 2010)./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 boosts immune signals in T-cells and killers, without hitting specific receptors. It might also calm brain inflammation—it focuses on immunity.
METABOLIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
Thymosin Alpha-1 boosts T-cells (30–40%), enhances NK activity (25–35%), and may reduce neuroinflammation—immune-centric effects (Goldstein et al., 1981)./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 lifts immune cells by 30–40%, boosts infection fighters by 25–35%, and might ease brain inflammation—mostly immune benefits./p>
SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS
In humans, 1.6 mg causes mild injection-site redness (5–10%)—no systemic effects (Sherman et al., 1998). Rats at 200 µg/kg show no adverse signs (Zanetti, 2004)./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Subcutaneous at 1.6 mg in humans (Sherman et al., 1998) or 100–200 µg/kg in rodents (Tuthill et al., 2010); reconstitute in bacteriostatic water (1 mg/mL), store at 2–8°C, use within 2–4 weeks./p>
ADMINISTRATION METHODS RECOMMENDED
Inject Thymosin Alpha-1 under skin (1.6 mg) for people or in rodent bellies (100–200 µg/kg). Mix in preservative water (1 mg/mL), keep refrigerated, use within 2–4 weeks./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Mild injection-site redness (5–10%) in humans at 1.6 mg (Sherman et al., 1998); no effects in rats at 200 µg/kg (Zanetti, 2004)./p>
ADVERSE EFFECTS REPORTED
In people, 1.6 mg might cause slight redness at the shot site in 5–10%; rats at 200 µg/kg show nothing—minor effects./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 boosts human T-cells by 30–40% (Sherman et al., 1998), reduces mouse tumors by 35–45% (Tuthill et al., 2010)—robust findings./p>
KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM PEER REVIEWED STUDIES
Thymosin Alpha-1 lifts human immune cells by 30–40%, cuts mouse cancer by 35–45%—strong study results./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Limited human data—mostly viral/cancer; long-term effects, neuro roles uncharted (Sherman et al., 1998)./p>
LIMITATIONS OF CURRENT RESEARCH DATA/H1>
Human tests focus on viruses and cancer—long-term impacts and brain effects aren’t studied yet./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Thymosin Alpha-1 enhances immunity, reduces tumors, and may aid neuroprotection—immune-focused effects (Goldstein et al., 1981)./p>
RESEARCH BASED OBSERVATIONS
Thymosin Alpha-1 boosts immunity, cuts cancer, and might protect brain—mostly immune benefits./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
In humans, 30–40% T-cell rise, 20–25% viral clearance (Sherman et al., 1998); in mice, 35–45% tumor reduction (Tuthill et al., 2010)./p>
SPECIFIC EFFECTS OBSERVED IN VITRO OR VIVO
In people, immune cells rise 30–40% and virus clears 20–25%; in mice, cancer drops 35–45%./p>
1.6 mg in humans (Sherman et al., 1998); 100–200 µg/kg in rodents (Tuthill et al., 2010)./p>
TYPICAL DOSES USED IN RESEARCH
People use 1.6 mg; rodents get 100–200 µg/kg./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Long-term safety, cancer efficacy, and neuroprotection need exploration (Tuthill et al., 2010)./p>
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS NEEDING INVESTIGATION
How safe is it long-term? Does it help cancer or brain health?—still unclear./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Enhances T-cell/NK activity via NF-κB, modulates cytokines (Goldstein et al., 1981)./p>
BIOCHEMICAL PATHWAYS OR RECEPTORS TARGETED BY PEPTIDE
Boosts immune signals, adjusts inflammation./p>
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Antiviral immunity, cancer therapy, neuroprotection (Tuthill et al., 2010)./p>
POTENTIAL RESEARCH EXPLORATIONS
Could fight viruses, treat cancer, protect brain.
LESS TECHNICAL EXPLANATION
Immune enhancement, tumor reduction, neuroinflammation control (Goldstein et al., 1981)./p>
BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES OR CONDITIONS INFLUENCED
Might boost immunity, cut cancer, ease brain inflammation./p>
DISCLAIMER
Thymosin Alpha-1 data is for research and education—not a therapy! Follow lab ethics; clinical hints don’t imply broad safety. Data reflects studies up to February 20, 2025—new findings may shift things!/p>