Thymosin Alpha-1 (10mg): Immune Function & Modulation

What is Thymosin Alpha-1?

Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1) is a synthetic 28-amino-acid peptide originally isolated from thymosin fraction 5 of calf thymus by Allan Goldstein in 1977. Its sequence is Ac-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, with a molecular weight of approximately 3108.3 g/mol. TA1 is a water-soluble peptide acetylated at the N-terminus for stability, designed to mimic the natural thymic peptide’s immunomodulatory effects. It is typically administered via subcutaneous injection (e.g., 1.6 mg twice weekly) or intravenous infusion in clinical and research settings. Approved in over 35 countries (e.g., as Zadaxin) for hepatitis B and C, immune enhancement, and as an adjuvant in vaccines, TA1 is under investigation for cancer, infections, and autoimmune disorders in the U.S., available as a prescription drug or research chemical.

Mechanism of Action

Thymosin Alpha-1’s primary mechanism involves enhancing immune function and regulating inflammation, through the following processes:

T-Cell Maturation: TA1 promotes the differentiation and maturation of T-lymphocytes (e.g., CD4+, CD8+) in the thymus, enhancing adaptive immunity and cytotoxic responses.

Cytokine Modulation: It increases IL-2, IFN-γ, and IL-12 production while reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), balancing Th1/Th2 responses for optimal immunity.

Dendritic Cell Activation: TA1 upregulates MHC class I and II expression on dendritic cells, improving antigen presentation and immune recognition of pathogens or cancer cells.

NK Cell Enhancement: It boosts natural killer (NK) cell activity, enhancing innate immunity against viral infections and tumors.

Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) Signaling: TA1 interacts with TLR2 and TLR9, amplifying innate immune responses to microbial threats and supporting vaccine efficacy.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: It reduces excessive inflammation by modulating NF-κB and promoting IL-10, protecting tissues during chronic infection or immune overactivation.

TA1’s specificity for immune enhancement without overstimulation distinguishes it as a versatile immunomodulator.

Benefits

Thymosin Alpha-1’s benefits, supported by preclinical and clinical studies, include:

Immune Boost: Enhances resistance to infections (e.g., viral hepatitis, sepsis) by strengthening T-cell and NK cell responses.

Antiviral Effects: Improves outcomes in chronic viral infections (e.g., HBV, HCV) by boosting antiviral immunity.

Cancer Support: Augments immune surveillance and cytotoxic responses, potentially aiding cancer therapies as an adjuvant.

Vaccine Efficacy: Increases antibody production and immune memory, improving responses to vaccines (e.g., influenza, COVID-19).

Anti-Inflammatory Action: Reduces tissue damage in chronic inflammation or sepsis, supporting recovery.

Fatigue Reduction: May alleviate immune-related fatigue in chronic illnesses by optimizing immune function.

These benefits highlight TA1’s role in immune health and disease management.

Use Cases

Thymosin Alpha-1 is used clinically and experimentally, with applications including:

Chronic Viral Infections: Approved for hepatitis B and C (e.g., 1.6 mg SC twice weekly) to enhance antiviral immunity.

Cancer Immunotherapy: Investigated as an adjuvant in melanoma, lung cancer, or HCC (e.g., 3.2 mg/day) to boost immune responses.

Immune Deficiency: Used off-label or in trials for HIV, sepsis, or primary immunodeficiencies (e.g., 1.6-3.2 mg SC).

Vaccine Adjuvant: Explored to enhance influenza or COVID-19 vaccine efficacy (e.g., 1.6 mg with vaccination) in research.

Autoimmune Diseases: Studied for potential in modulating immunity in lupus or MS (e.g., 5-10 mg/kg in preclinical models).

Administration typically involves subcutaneous injections, with dosing tailored to therapeutic or research protocols.

Research Studies

Below is a summary of key studies on Thymosin Alpha-1, focusing on its mechanisms and benefits:

Goldstein et al. (1977) - Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Isolated TA1 from thymosin fraction 5, showing it enhances T-cell function in vitro.

Sztein et al. (1986) - Journal of Immunology Demonstrated TA1 (100 µg/kg) increases IL-2 and T-cell activity in immunosuppressed mice.

Romani et al. (2004) - Clinical and Experimental Immunology Showed TA1 (1.6 mg SC) enhances dendritic cell maturation and NK activity in hepatitis C patients (n=20).

Chien et al. (1998) - Hepatology Reported TA1 (1.6 mg twice weekly) improves HBV clearance in 98 patients over 6 months.

Carraro et al. (2012) - International Immunopharmacology Found TA1 (3.2 mg/day) boosts immune response in melanoma patients (n=42) with chemotherapy.

King et al. (2020) - Vaccines Indicated TA1 (1.6 mg) enhances antibody titers in influenza vaccine recipients (n=60).

Matteucci et al. (2017) - Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy Reviewed TA1’s role in sepsis, showing reduced mortality in mice (10 mg/kg) via cytokine balance.

These studies validate TA1’s clinical utility and ongoing research potential.

Considerations

Safety: Well-tolerated in trials, with mild side effects (e.g., injection-site reactions, rare flu-like symptoms); long-term safety beyond months is well-documented.

Regulation: Approved as Zadaxin in 35+ countries for hepatitis and immune support; investigational in the U.S., available as a research chemical elsewhere.

Evidence: Strong clinical support for hepatitis and immune enhancement; broader uses (e.g., cancer, autoimmunity) need further validation.

In conclusion, Thymosin Alpha-1 is a synthetic peptide with significant potential to enhance immunity, combat infections, and support cancer therapy by modulating T-cell and innate immune responses. Its efficacy in clinical settings and extensive research make it a robust therapeutic, though additional studies could expand its applications.

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