Overview
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1, thymalfasin) is a 28-amino acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland, originally isolated from thymosin fraction 5 by Dr. Allan Goldstein at George Washington University in the 1970s. It is a key orchestrator of adaptive immunity with potent effects on T-cell maturation, differentiation, and activation. Synthetic thymalfasin has been studied clinically as an immune modulator and is marketed under various brand names (including Zadaxin) in multiple countries.
Studies have examined thymosin alpha-1 in chronic viral hepatitis, malignancies, sepsis, and as a vaccine adjuvant. Its mechanism centers on augmentation of T-helper cell function and enhancement of innate immune responses via pattern recognition receptor signaling, positioning it as one of the most clinically validated immunomodulatory peptides in the research literature.
Mechanism of Action
- Enhancement of T-cell maturation and proliferation via increased TCR, CD3, CD4, CD8 receptor expression
- Activation of TLR2 and TLR9 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells, augmenting type I interferon production
- Upregulation of MHC class I and II on antigen-presenting cells, improving antigen presentation
- Induction of regulatory T cell (Treg) function in autoimmunity and chronic inflammation models
- Restoration of NK cell cytotoxicity in immunocompromised research models
- Synergistic immune activation with IL-2 and IFN-α
Specifications
| Full Name | Thymosin Alpha-1 (Thymalfasin) |
| Amino Acids | 28 |
| Formula | C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅ |
| MW | ~3,108 Da |
| CAS | 62304-98-7 |
| N-terminus | Acetylated |
| Purity | ≥98% HPLC |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Storage (lyophilized) | −20°C |
| Storage (reconstituted) | 2–8°C, 4 weeks |
| Solubility | Sterile or bacteriostatic water |
Reconstitution
Reconstitute with sterile or bacteriostatic water. Gently swirl. Store at 2–8°C, use within 4 weeks. Do not freeze reconstituted solution.
Quality & Purity
Every batch undergoes third-party HPLC testing to verify ≥98% purity. COA included.
Research Use Only. Thymosin Alpha-1 is strictly for in vitro and laboratory research purposes. Not for human consumption, clinical use, or veterinary use. For use by qualified researchers only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.