Thymosin alpha 1
[CAS# 62304-98-7]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Amino acids and their derivatives >> Other protected amino acids
• Name: Thymosin alpha 1
• Synonyms: Thymalfasin;4-[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[[2-[2-[2-[[2-[(2-acetamido-3-hydroxypropanoyl)amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]propanoylamino]propanoylamino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]propanoylamino]-5-[(3-amino-1-carboxy-3-oxopropyl)amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid
• Protein Sequence: SDAAVDXSSEXXXKDLKEKKEVVEEAEN
• Molecular Formula: C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
• Molecular Weight: 3108.28
• CAS Registry Number: 62304-98-7 (69440-99-9)
• SMILES: CCC(C)C(C(=O)NC(C(C)O)C(=O)NC(C(C)O)C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)NC(CC(=O)O)C(=O)NC(CC(C)C)C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)NC(CCC(=O)O)C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)NC(CCCCN)C(=O)NC(CCC(=O)O)C(=O)NC(C(C)C)C(=O)NC(C(C)C)C(=O)NC(CCC(=O)O)C(=O)NC(CCC(=O)O)C(=O)NC(C)C(=O)NC(CCC(=O)O)C(=O)NC(CC(=O)N)C(=O)O)NC(=O)C(CCC(=O)O)NC(=O)C(CO)NC(=O)C(CO)NC(=O)C(C(C)O)NC(=O)C(CC(=O)O)NC(=O)C(C(C)C)NC(=O)C(C)NC(=O)C(C)NC(=O)C(CC(=O)O)NC(=O)C(CO)NC(=O)C

Properties

• Density: 1.4±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Index of Refraction: 1.563, Calc.^*
• Boiling Point: 2899.7±65.0 ºC (760 mmHg), Calc.^*
• Flash Point: 1707.5±34.3 ºC, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Discovory and Applicatios

Thymosin Alpha 1 (Tα1) is a synthetic peptide derived from the thymosin 5 fraction, a mixture isolated from the thymus gland by Dr. Allan Goldstein in the 1970s. This peptide is composed of 28 amino acids and mimics a natural thymic hormone involved in regulating the immune system.

Tα1 works by modulating the immune response. It enhances T cell production, promotes T cell differentiation, and increases the activity of various immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells. The peptide also stimulates the production of cytokines, which help defend against infection and enhance the body's immune response. By restoring immune function, Tα1 helps fight infection and disease more effectively.

Tα1 has been approved in several countries for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C. It helps reduce viral load and liver inflammation by boosting the host's immune response. In addition, Tα1 has been shown to be effective in treating certain cancers by supporting the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Clinical studies have shown that Tα1 can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy by boosting the immune system's ability to fight cancer.

Tα1 is also beneficial for immunocompromised patients, including those with primary immunodeficiency or undergoing treatments that weaken the immune system, such as bone marrow transplants. It helps restore immune function and reduce the risk of infection. In addition, the immunomodulatory properties of Tα1 make it a candidate for treating autoimmune diseases, as it can potentially modulate immune responses and reduce autoimmunity.

Current research is exploring the potential of Tα1 in treating diseases such as HIV, where boosting immune function is critical. It is also being studied for its role in boosting immunity and reducing systemic inflammation to treat sepsis and other critical illnesses. In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties of Tα1 are being studied for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

References

1980. The effect of thymosin a1 fragments on T-lymphocyte transformation in the uremic state. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 28(11).
DOI: 10.1248/cpb.28.3411

2023. Thymosin a-1 in cancer therapy: Immunoregulation and potential applications. International Immunopharmacology, 117.
DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109744

2024. Thymosin a1 reverses oncolytic adenovirus-induced M2 polarization of macrophages to improve antitumor immunity and therapeutic efficacy. Cell Reports Medicine, 5(10).
DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101751