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Thymosin Alpha-1

Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1, CAS 62304-98-7) is a naturally occurring 28-amino acid peptide originally isolated from thymosin fraction 5 of bovine thymus, with a molecular weight of approximately 3,108 Da. As an endogenous immunomodulatory peptide, Tα1 plays a central role in T-cell maturation, dendritic cell activation, and the orchestration of both innate and adaptive immune responses. It is a core research tool for studying thymic-dependent immune modulation and host defense mechanisms.

Technical Specifications

Property Value
CAS Number 62304-98-7
Molecular Formula C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
Molecular Weight ~3,108 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

Thymosin Alpha-1 modulates immune function through Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent and TLR-independent pathways. In dendritic cells and precursor T-lymphocytes, Tα1 interacts with TLR9 and TLR2, triggering MyD88-dependent signaling cascades that upregulate MHC class I and class II expression, enhancing antigen presentation capacity. This leads to increased IL-2 production and high-affinity IL-2 receptor (CD25) expression on T-cells, driving clonal expansion of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocyte populations. Tα1 also promotes the differentiation of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) through FoxP3 induction, balancing pro-inflammatory and tolerogenic immune responses. Critically, Tα1 increases indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity in dendritic cells, shifting tryptophan metabolism toward kynurenine production and suppressing autoreactive T-cell responses. This dual action — immune activation coupled with regulatory tolerance — makes Tα1 a uniquely positioned modulator of immune homeostasis.

Research Applications

  • Primary: T-cell mediated immunity — dendritic cell maturation, Th1/Th2 polarization
  • Secondary: Immune tolerance and regulatory T-cell research, antiviral immune response augmentation, vaccine adjuvant studies
  • Model Systems: In vitro (human PBMC cultures, dendritic cell differentiation assays, mixed lymphocyte reactions), in vivo models (immune-compromised murine models, viral challenge 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 (~3,108 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

  • Romani et al. (2006) — Thymosin α1 activates dendritic cell TLR9 signaling and antifungal immunity. Blood. PMID: 16189277
  • Goldstein & Badamchian (2004) — Thymosins: chemistry and biological properties in health and disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther. PMID: 15034403
  • Garaci et al. (2007) — Thymosin α1 in cancer therapy. Ann N Y Acad Sci. PMID: 17725669

Source & Purchase

For researchers requiring research-grade THYMOSIN ALPHA 1 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 THYMOSIN ALPHA 1 Product →

FAQ

Q: What purity level is standard for Thymosin Alpha-1? A: HK Peptides supplies Thymosin Alpha-1 at ≥98% purity by HPLC with full COA documentation.

Q: How should Thymosin Alpha-1 be stored for research use? A: Lyophilized Thymosin Alpha-1 should be stored at -20°C. Reconstituted solutions at 4°C for short-term use (up to 7 days).