Thymosin Alpha-1 (10mg)

# Thymosin Alpha-1 - Immunomodulatory Research Peptide

## SCIENTIFIC OVERVIEW
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino acid peptide originally isolated from thymosin fraction 5, a thymic hormone preparation. This immunomodulatory peptide has been extensively studied for its effects on T-cell maturation, immune system regulation, inflammation modulation, and antiviral responses. Tα1 is used as a pharmaceutical in some countries and serves as a valuable research tool in immunology.

## RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
Scientific investigations have explored Tα1 for:
- T-cell differentiation and maturation research
- Th1/Th2 immune balance studies
- Dendritic cell activation and function
- Cytokine production and immune signaling analysis
- Antiviral immune response mechanisms (Hepatitis B/C, HIV research models)
- Cancer immunotherapy research (melanoma, lung cancer models)
- Vaccine adjuvant potential studies
- Sepsis and systemic inflammation models
- Immunosenescence and aging immunity research
- Autoimmune disease mechanism studies
- Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways

## PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- **Purity:** ≥98% (HPLC Verified)
- **Form:** Sterile Lyophilized White Powder
- **Sequence:** 28 amino acids (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-OH)
- **Molecular Formula:** C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
- **Molecular Weight:** 3,108.3 Da
- **CAS Number:** 62304-98-7
- **Appearance:** White lyophilized powder
- **Solubility:** Water-soluble
- **N-terminal:** Acetylated serine
- **Storage:** -20°C (freezer), protected from light
- **Shelf Life:** 36 months frozen; 30 days reconstituted at 2-8°C

## QUALITY VERIFICATION
✓ RP-HPLC purity ≥98%  
✓ Mass spectrometry confirmation (ESI-MS or MALDI-TOF)  
✓ Amino acid sequencing verification  
✓ N-terminal acetylation confirmation  
✓ Peptide content assay (≥85%)  
✓ Endotoxin: <0.1 EU/mg (critical for immune research)  
✓ Sterility testing (USP <71>)  
✓ pH: 6.0-8.0 (reconstituted)  
✓ Bioassay (T-cell assay optional)  

## MECHANISM OF ACTION (Research Context)
Thymosin Alpha-1 modulates multiple immune pathways:

**T-Cell Modulation:**
- Enhances T-cell maturation in thymus
- Promotes CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell differentiation
- Increases T-cell receptor expression
- Modulates T-cell cytokine production

**Cytokine Regulation:**
- Increases IL-2 production (T-cell growth factor)
- Enhances IFN-γ (Th1 response)
- Modulates IL-10 and other regulatory cytokines
- Affects TNF-α production

**Dendritic Cell Activation:**
- Promotes dendritic cell maturation
- Enhances antigen presentation
- Increases MHC class II expression
- Affects co-stimulatory molecule expression (CD80, CD86)

**Toll-Like Receptor Signaling:**
- Modulates TLR2, TLR4, TLR9 expression
- Affects MyD88-dependent pathways
- Influences NF-κB activation
- Modulates inflammasome activity

**Antiviral Effects:**
- Enhances type I interferon responses
- Improves NK cell activity
- Boosts antiviral T-cell responses
- Synergizes with antiviral medications (HBV, HCV research)

**Immune Homeostasis:**
- Restores immune function in immunosenescence
- Balances Th1/Th2 responses
- May affect regulatory T-cell (Treg) function
- Modulates oxidative stress in immune cells

## CLINICAL & RESEARCH BACKGROUND
- **1972:** First isolated from thymus gland (Goldstein lab)
- **1977:** Sequence determined, synthetic production achieved
- **1980s:** Immunological effects characterized
- **1990s-2000s:** Clinical trials for hepatitis, cancer, sepsis
- **2003:** Approved in several countries (Thymalfasin®/Zadaxin®)
- **2010s+:** Aging immunity, COVID-19 research interest

Over 500 published studies including preclinical and clinical research.

## PHARMACEUTICAL STATUS
**Thymalfasin (Zadaxin):**
- Approved in 35+ countries (not USA)
- Indications: Hepatitis B/C (some countries), immune deficiency
- Used as adjuvant therapy in cancer and infections
- Well-characterized safety profile from clinical use

This research-grade product is for laboratory investigation, not pharmaceutical use.

## RESEARCH MODELS
Tα1 has been studied in:
- **Cell culture:** T-cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, NK cells
- **Mice:** Tumor models, infection models, autoimmune disease
- **Rats:** Sepsis, aging, immune dysfunction
- **Ex vivo:** Human PBMCs, tissue cultures
- **Clinical trials:** Hepatitis, cancer, sepsis, immunodeficiency

## IMMUNOTHERAPY RESEARCH
**Cancer Models:**
- Melanoma (combination with IL-2, IFN-α)
- Lung cancer (NSCLC research)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Mechanism: Enhanced anti-tumor immunity, DC activation

**Infectious Disease:**
- Chronic Hepatitis B and C (immune restoration)
- HIV (adjunct to antiretroviral therapy research)
- Sepsis (immune dysfunction correction)
- COVID-19 (recent research interest)

## RECONSTITUTION PROTOCOL
1. Allow vial to reach room temperature (prevent condensation)
2. Use sterile water, bacteriostatic water, or PBS
3. Typical concentration: 0.5-2.0 mg/mL for research
4. Add diluent slowly down vial wall
5. Swirl gently in circular motion (do not shake vigorously)
6. Allow 3-5 minutes for complete dissolution
7. Solution should be clear and colorless
8. pH should be approximately 6.5-7.5

## STABILITY DATA
- **Lyophilized powder:** 36+ months at -20°C
- **Refrigerated powder (2-8°C):** 12 months
- **Room temperature (sealed):** 30 days
- **Reconstituted:** 30 days at 2-8°C with bacteriostatic water
- **pH stability:** Most stable pH 6-8
- **Light:** Minimal photosensitivity, but protect from direct light
- **Freeze-thaw:** Minimize cycles; aliquot for single use

## RESEARCH DOSING CONTEXT
**Cell culture (in vitro):**
- Typical: 0.1-10 μg/mL
- T-cell assays: 1-5 μg/mL common
- Dendritic cell activation: 1-10 μg/mL
- Duration: 24-72 hours typical

**Animal models (in vivo):**
- **Mice:** 50-400 μg/kg (SC, IP)
- **Rats:** 100-1000 μg/kg
- **Frequency:** Daily to 3x per week
- **Duration:** Days to weeks depending on model

**Human clinical studies (for reference):**
- 0.8-3.2 mg per dose (SC)
- Typically 1.6 mg twice weekly
- Duration: Weeks to months

Consult specific publications for detailed protocols.

## BIOASSAY & ACTIVITY VERIFICATION
Tα1 biological activity can be assessed via:
- **T-cell proliferation assays:** Mitogen-stimulated PBMC proliferation
- **Cytokine production:** IL-2, IFN-γ ELISA from treated cells
- **Flow cytometry:** T-cell subset analysis (CD4+, CD8+, activation markers)
- **Dendritic cell maturation:** CD80, CD86, MHC II expression

## COMPARATIVE IMMUNOMODULATORS
**vs. Thymosin Beta-4:** Different peptide, tissue repair focus (not immune)

**vs. IL-2:** Direct cytokine vs. immunomodulator (different potency/toxicity)

**vs. Imiquimod:** TLR7 agonist (different mechanism)

**vs. Beta-glucans:** Innate immunity (macrophage/complement activation)

**vs. Thymic peptides (thymulin, thymopoietin):** Related thymic hormones, distinct sequences

## COMBINATION RESEARCH
Published studies explore Tα1 combined with:
- **Chemotherapy:** Enhanced immune function during cancer treatment
- **Antivirals:** Synergistic effects in HBV/HCV
- **Vaccines:** Adjuvant properties (improved antibody responses)
- **Other immunotherapies:** IL-2, IFN-α combinations

## HANDLING & STORAGE
- Store powder at -20°C in original sealed, desiccated vial
- Protect from light (use amber vials or foil wrap)
- Use strict sterile technique (immunological research sensitivity)
- Work in biosafety cabinet for cell culture applications
- Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, lab coat, eye protection)
- Aliquot reconstituted solutions for single-use
- Dispose according to institutional biohazard protocols

## ENDOTOXIN CONSIDERATIONS
**Critical for immune research:**
- Endotoxin (LPS) is potent immune activator
- Can confound Tα1 immunological effects
- This product tested for low endotoxin (<0.1 EU/mg)
- Use endotoxin-free water and sterile technique
- Test experimental samples for endotoxin contamination when possible

## REGULATORY STATUS
**USA:** Not FDA-approved; research chemical  
**Europe:** Not EMA-approved; research use  
**Asia:** Approved pharmaceutical in China, South Korea, others (Thymalfasin)  
**Russia:** Approved pharmaceutical  
**Other:** Approved in ~35 countries for specific indications

This product is research-grade, not pharmaceutical-grade for human use.

## FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY
This product is intended strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory animal studies. Not for human consumption or clinical use. Not a pharmaceutical product, immune supplement, or therapeutic agent. Requires institutional oversight, biosafety level-appropriate handling, and appropriate animal research approvals.

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**DISCLAIMER:** By purchasing, you certify you are a qualified immunologist or researcher conducting legitimate scientific investigation. Purchaser assumes all responsibility for sterile handling, endotoxin-free technique, compliance with institutional biosafety protocols (BSL-1 or BSL-2 as appropriate), animal research ethics requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.