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Thymalin

Thymalin (CAS 63958-90-7) is a synthetic dipeptide (Glu-Trp) derived from thymic polypeptide extracts, with a molecular weight of approximately 333.3 Da. Originally isolated from calf thymus preparations in the 1970s, thymalin represents a minimal bioactive thymic peptide that retains immunomodulatory activity. As a research tool, thymalin is utilized in studies of T-cell dependent immunity, immune senescence, and thymic function regulation.

Technical Specifications

Property Value
CAS Number 63958-90-7
Molecular Formula C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₅
Molecular Weight ~333.3 Da
Purity ≥98% (HPLC-verified)
Appearance Lyophilized white powder
Solubility Soluble in sterile water and aqueous buffers
Storage -20°C (lyophilized), 2–8°C (reconstituted)

Mechanism of Action

Thymalin modulates T-cell-mediated immunity through interaction with thymic epithelial cells and lymphoid progenitor cells. Mechanistic studies suggest that thymalin promotes the differentiation of prothymocytes into mature T-lymphocytes by upregulating terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) activity and enhancing TCR gene rearrangement in developing thymocytes. Additionally, thymalin has been shown to modulate cAMP levels in lymphocytes, shifting the cAMP/cGMP balance toward a state permissive for lymphocyte proliferation and activation. In models of immune senescence, thymalin administration partially restores thymic weight, thymocyte count, and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, suggesting effects on thymic involution pathways. The Glu-Trp sequence also exhibits neurotropic activity, modulating synaptic plasticity through interaction with AMPA and NMDA receptor complexes.

Research Applications

  • Primary: Thymic immunobiology — T-cell differentiation, thymic involution, immune aging
  • Secondary: Neuroimmune modulation, cellular immunity enhancement, lymphocyte proliferation studies
  • Model Systems: In vitro (thymocyte cultures, splenocyte proliferation assays), in vivo (thymectomized rodent models, aged animal immune function studies)

Quality Control & Analytical Methods

  • HPLC: ≥98% purity verification at 214/220 nm (C18 reversed-phase column)
  • Mass Spectrometry: ESI-MS for molecular weight confirmation (~333.3 Da)
  • Peptide Content: Amino acid analysis (AAA) for net peptide content determination
  • Endotoxin: <1 EU/mg (LAL assay)
  • TFA Content: <1% (ion chromatography)

Stability & Storage

Condition Stability
-20°C (lyophilized) 24 months
4°C (lyophilized) 6 months
25°C (lyophilized) 1 month
Reconstituted (4°C) 7 days
Reconstituted (-20°C) 30 days

Key Research References

  • Morozov & Khavinson (1997) — Natural and synthetic thymic peptides as modulators of immune function. Int J Immunopharmacol. PMID: 9389112
  • Khavinson et al. (2011) — Peptide regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis in organism aging. Bull Exp Biol Med. PMID: 21800239
  • Anisimov & Khavinson (2010) — Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects. Biogerontology. PMID: 19330495

Source & Purchase

For researchers requiring research-grade THYMALIN with full analytical documentation including HPLC, LC-MS, and Certificate of Analysis, visit the HK Peptides product page for specifications, bulk pricing, and ordering.

View THYMALIN Product →

FAQ

Q: What purity level is standard for Thymalin? A: HK Peptides supplies Thymalin at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.

Q: How should Thymalin be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized Thymalin should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).