Isolation and structure
The original work isolated thymosin alpha-1 from calf thymus fraction 5, determined its 28-residue sequence and proposed a nomenclature for the thymosin polypeptide family1.
Sources [1]
Research Peptide · For laboratory research use only
Thymosin Alpha-1
Also known as Tα1, Thymalfasin, TA1
- Formula
- C129H215N33O55
- CAS
- 62304-98-7
Available as
Certificates of analysis
Overview
Thymosin alpha-1 (thymalfasin, Tα1) is a heat-stable, highly acidic peptide of 28 amino acid residues. It was isolated from calf thymus as one of the polypeptides of thymosin fraction 5, and its sequence was reported in 19771. The material studied today is the synthetic peptide with an acetylated N-terminus.
Research has centred on innate and adaptive immune signalling, particularly in dendritic cells, using mouse fungal and viral infection models, haematopoietic transplant models, and human and murine cell culture2,3,4. A 2016 review summarises the preclinical and clinical literature5.
Mechanism of action
As described in the research literature
As described in the research literature, Tα1 induced functional maturation and interleukin-12 production in fungus-pulsed dendritic cells through a p38 MAPK and NF-kappaB-dependent pathway, signalling through the MyD88-dependent pathway and involving distinct Toll-like receptors2.
Follow-up work reported that Tα1 primes dendritic cells through TLR9 signalling and also induced the expression and function of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), with IDO activation requiring TLR9 and type I interferon receptor signalling and leading to interleukin-10 production and regulatory T cell generation3. In a murine cytomegalovirus model, activity was linked to plasmacytoid dendritic cell activation through TLR9/MyD88-dependent sensing and IFN regulatory factor 74. A review describes action through Toll-like receptors on both myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells5.
Research areas
What published studies have examined
Dendritic cells and fungal infection models
Studies examined dendritic cell maturation and cytokine production in response to Aspergillus fumigatus, Th1 priming, and myeloid recovery and fungal susceptibility in mice that had received haematopoietic transplants2.
Sources [2]
Tolerance and tryptophan catabolism
Human and murine dendritic cells were used to examine T-helper cell priming, tolerance induction, IDO expression and regulatory T cell generation, with transfer experiments comparing dendritic cell subsets3.
Sources [3]
Viral infection model
Susceptible, resistant and TLR-deficient mice infected with murine cytomegalovirus were used to examine microbiological and immunological parameters and the dependence of the response on TLR9, MyD88 and IRF74.
Sources [4]
Specifications
- 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 (Ac-SDAAVDTSSEITTKDLKEKKEVVEEAEN, 28 residues)
- Molecular formula
- C129H215N33O55
- Molecular weight
- 3108.3 g/mol
- CAS number
- 62304-98-7
- Form
- White lyophilised powder in a sealed vial (5 mg)
- Storage
- Store lyophilised powder at -20 °C, protected from light and moisture. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated at 2 to 8 °C and protect from light.
- Solubility and reconstitution
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Add the diluent slowly down the inside wall of the vial and swirl gently until clear; do not shake.
References
- 1
Thymosin alpha1: isolation and sequence analysis of an immunologically active thymic polypeptide.
Goldstein AL, Low TL, McAdoo M, et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 1977.
- 2
Thymosin alpha 1 activates dendritic cells for antifungal Th1 resistance through toll-like receptor signaling.
Romani L, Bistoni F, Gaziano R, et al. Blood, 2004.
- 3
Thymosin alpha1 activates dendritic cell tryptophan catabolism and establishes a regulatory environment for balance of inflammation and tolerance.
Romani L, Bistoni F, Perruccio K, et al. Blood, 2006.
- 4
Thymosin alpha1 activates the TLR9/MyD88/IRF7-dependent murine cytomegalovirus sensing for induction of anti-viral responses in vivo.
Bozza S, Gaziano R, Bonifazi P, et al. International Immunology, 2007.
- 5
Immune Modulation with Thymosin Alpha 1 Treatment.
King R, Tuthill C Vitamins and Hormones, 2016.
This page is provided for research and educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice, dosing guidance, or a recommendation for use. All compounds are strictly for laboratory and in-vitro research purposes.