Thymosin Alpha-1 #

• Acronym: Tα1 (Thymosin Alpha-1)
• Amino Acid Sequence: 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-OH
• Primary Functions and Actions:
  • Enhances immune function.
  • Modulates inflammation.
  • Increases T cell production and activity.
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Thymosin alpha-1 is a synthetic peptide identical to the naturally occurring thymosin alpha-1 found in the thymus gland.
  • It enhances T cell function by binding to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9).
  • It promotes the maturation, differentiation, and activation of T cells, including cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells.
  • It also modulates cytokine production, promoting a balanced immune response.
• Systems Activated:
  • Immune System: Primarily affects T cell function and immune modulation.
• Dosage and Timing:
  • Common dosages range from 1.6 mg to 3.2 mg, one to three times per week.
  • Administered via subcutaneous injection.
  • Timing is not critical.
• Contraindications and Side Effects:
  • Contraindications are not well-established, but caution is advised in individuals with autoimmune diseases.
  • Side effects are generally mild and may include pain at the injection site or flu-like symptoms.
• Potential Uses:
  • Enhancing immune response in immunocompromised individuals
  • Treating chronic infections (e.g., hepatitis B and C)
  • Adjunctive therapy for cancer

References:

• PMID: 3345946, PMID: 11264740, PMID: 17684100
• PMID: 3345946 – [Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1988 Jun;85(11):3686-90.] – Synthetic thymosin alpha 1 enhances production of T cell growth factor by normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3345946/
• PMID: 11264740 – [Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2001 Apr;946:257-67.] – Thymosin alpha 1: a review of its properties and clinical applications. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11264740/
• PMID: 17684100 – [Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2007 Sep;14(9):1189-95.] – Thymosin alpha1 enhances the efficacy of influenza vaccine in elderly subjects. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17684100/

#

Article Summaries #

PMID: 3345946 #

This study explored the effects of synthetic thymosin alpha 1 on the production of T cell growth factor by normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. The researchers aimed to understand how thymosin alpha 1 influences T cell function and immune response.

The results indicated that thymosin alpha 1 significantly enhanced the production of T cell growth factor, highlighting its role in supporting T cell activation and proliferation. This suggests that thymosin alpha 1 has a potent effect on enhancing immune responses.

In conclusion, synthetic thymosin alpha 1 may serve as an important therapeutic agent for boosting T cell activity, which could be beneficial in enhancing overall immune function and potential applications in immunotherapy.

PMID: 11264740 #

This article provided a comprehensive review of thymosin alpha 1, discussing its biological properties and clinical applications. The focus was on understanding the mechanisms through which thymosin alpha 1 exerts its effects on the immune system and its therapeutic potential.

The review highlighted various studies showing that thymosin alpha 1 has beneficial effects on T cell regulation, immune enhancement, and its potential in treating diseases such as cancer and viral infections. Its ability to modulate the immune response makes it a promising candidate for clinical applications.

In conclusion, thymosin alpha 1 shows significant promise in clinical settings for enhancing immune responses. The insights from this review support further exploration of thymosin alpha 1 in developing therapies for immune-related conditions.

PMID: 17684100 #

This study examined the effects of thymosin alpha 1 on the efficacy of influenza vaccines in elderly subjects. The goal was to assess whether thymosin alpha 1 could enhance the immune response to vaccination in older adults, who typically have weaker immune responses.

The results showed that thymosin alpha 1 significantly improved the immune response to the influenza vaccine in elderly participants, leading to increased antibody production compared to those who received the vaccine without thymosin alpha 1. This indicates that thymosin alpha 1 can enhance vaccine effectiveness in older populations.

In conclusion, thymosin alpha 1 has the potential to be an effective adjunct to influenza vaccination in the elderly, improving their immune response and providing better protection against influenza. These findings highlight the importance of thymosin alpha 1 in enhancing vaccine effectiveness in vulnerable populations.