Thymosin Alpha-1 Peptide

Thymosin Alpha-1 peptide, also known as Thymosin Alpha, TA1, or T α 1, is a fragment of a protein molecule that has been widely studied for its potential implications with the immune system. Researchers have hypothesized that it contributes to the production of T-cells to mitigate and alleviate infection and bacterial spread.⁽¹⁾

Thymosin Alpha-1 is a naturally occurring polypeptide that is considered by researchers to potentially restore and enhance immune functions.⁽³⁾ Thymosin Alpha-1 is considered to be one of the polypeptides found in Thymosin Fraction 5, which is a crude extract of the thymus gland.⁽⁴⁾

Since its discovery, a synthetically developed form of Thymosin Alpha-1 has also been studied, researchers refer to the peptide as Thymalfasin.⁽³⁾ Thymalfasin is composed of 28 amino acids, similar to the naturally occurring Tα 1, and is derived from a longer polypeptide precursor composed of 113 amino acids, known as Prothymosin Alpha.⁽⁴⁾

Overview

The main aim of initial research into Thymosin Alpha-1⁽⁵⁾ was to understand and examine the immunomodulating potential of the peptide. Studies have suggested that the peptide may increase the concentration of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and cytokine production, which may possibly lead to increased immune responses. The peptide may also enhance the activity of natural killer cells and foster the expression of phenotypic markers on T cells, suggesting a multi-faceted role in modulating the immune response. The researchers posited that the peptide may also increase the expression of high-affinity receptors for interleukin-2. This could potentially lead to a more vigorous activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes.

Researchers speculate that Thymosin Alpha-1 may stimulate possible action by targeting the T-helper cells and cytotoxic T-cell populations.⁽⁴⁾ Tα 1 may possibly induce differentiation of the T-cells (thymocytes) and the terminal differentiation of the blood lymphocytes. Scientists posit that it may elevate the production of the natural killer cells and potentially stimulate cytokine mediated inflammation.⁽³⁾⁽⁴⁾ Furthermore, the peptide has been studied for its potential to enhance efficiency of macrophages and functions as the modulator of the alpha thrombin activity.⁽⁴⁾