Thymosin Alpha-1 Research Compound
Research Use Only
This product is intended for laboratory research purposes only. It is not intended for human or veterinary use, food, cosmetic, household, or agricultural applications. Not for human consumption.
Overview
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland. First isolated by Allan Goldstein in 1972, it plays a crucial role in immune system development and function. Thymosin Alpha-1 has been approved in over 35 countries (marketed as Zadaxin) for the treatment of hepatitis B and C, and as an immune adjuvant in cancer therapy. It remains an active area of research for immune modulation and viral infection.
Molecular Characteristics
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C129H215N33O55 |
| Molecular Weight | 3108.29 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 62304-98-7 |
| Amino Acids | 28 |
| N-terminus | Acetylated |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Storage | -20°C, protected from light |
Mechanism of Action
Thymosin Alpha-1 modulates immune function through multiple pathways:
T-Cell Activation
- CD4+ helper T-cell maturation
- CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell activation
- Th1/Th2 balance regulation
- T-cell receptor signaling enhancement
Dendritic Cell Modulation
- DC maturation and activation
- Antigen presentation enhancement
- Cytokine production (IL-12, IFN-α)
- Cross-priming facilitation
Innate Immunity
- Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation
- Natural killer cell enhancement
- Macrophage activation
- Inflammasome regulation
Viral Response
- IFN-α/β induction
- Viral replication inhibition
- Immune surveillance enhancement
- Vaccine response amplification
Research Applications
Viral Research
- Hepatitis B/C models
- HIV adjunct therapy research
- Emerging viral infections
- Vaccine enhancement studies
Cancer Immunology
- Tumor immunosurveillance
- Checkpoint inhibitor combinations
- Vaccine adjuvant studies
- Immunosuppression reversal
Immunosenescence
- Age-related immune decline
- Thymic involution studies
- Immune reconstitution
- Elderly immune response
Infection Research
- Bacterial infection models
- Fungal immunity
- Sepsis research
- Immune exhaustion studies
Available Formats
| Size | Format | Catalog Code |
|---|---|---|
| 5mg | Lyophilized | TA1-5 |
| 10mg | Lyophilized | TA1-10 |
| 20mg | Lyophilized | TA1-20 |
Handling & Storage
- Store lyophilized peptide at -20°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 3 weeks
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Quality Specifications
- Purity: ≥99% by HPLC
- Appearance: White lyophilized powder
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- Endotoxin: Less than 1 EU/mg
- Certificate of Analysis provided
Global Approval Status
| Region | Status | Indications |
|---|---|---|
| China | Approved | Hepatitis B, cancer adjuvant |
| Europe | Approved (some) | Hepatitis B/C |
| Asia-Pacific | Approved (35+ countries) | Various immune indications |
| USA | Research/compassionate use | Not FDA-approved |
References
- Goldstein AL, et al. "Thymosin alpha 1: isolation and sequence analysis of an immunologically active thymic polypeptide." PNAS. 1977.
- Garaci E, et al. "Thymosin alpha 1: from bench to bedside." Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007.
- King R, Tuthill C. "Immune modulation with thymosin alpha 1 treatment." Vitam Horm. 2016.