Thymosin Alpha-1

Thymosin Alpha-1 Against Fungus

Dendritic cells are a specific type of cell in the immune system that is important in helping the immune system recognize fungal infections. Thymosin alpha-1 has been shown to induce the maturation of dendritic cells, thereby enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight off fungal infections. The peptide has also been found to activate T helper cells in a mouse model of Aspergillus (a server fungus) infection. Scientists hope to use thymosin α-1 as an adjuvant therapy to improve the effectiveness of standard antifungal treatments.

The role of thymosin α-1 in regulating dendritic cells cannot be overemphasized. Dendritic cells are responsible for acquiring invading bacteria, such as antigens, bacteria and fungi, and presenting them to other immune system cells, making it easier for those cells to recognize the antigen and respond appropriately. Dendritic cells are found in abundance in the skin, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal system, and they are one of the first responders of the immune system. By regulating dendritic cells, thymosin alpha-1 influences the function of the immune system at one of its most basic levels.

Thymosin Alpha-1 and Hepatitis

Thymosin alpha-1 is an effective and affordable treatment for chronic hepatitis B and C infections. It is also an effective immunostimulant and can be co-injected with vaccines for both viruses to increase efficacy. Thymosin Alpha-1 is currently approved for the treatment of hepatitis B and C in over 35 countries.

Thymosin Alpha-1 and HIV

Although antiretroviral therapy has come a long way since HIV was first identified in the 1980s, complete restoration of immune function remains impossible. Curiously, antiretroviral therapy itself has been associated with certain deficits in the immune response, particularly cytotoxic T cells, and with persistent inflammatory conditions. Research suggests that thymosin α-1 may be beneficial in this particular population, helping to restore immune regulation and improve the overall quality of life of individuals on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Interestingly, thymosin α-1 may also enhance the body’s ability to fight HIV infection. The peptide appears to stimulate CD8 T cells to release a variety of factors that inhibit HIV infection of other immune cells and prevent latent HIV from becoming active.

Thymosin Alpha-1 Research and Blood Pressure

New research suggests that thymosin alpha-1 lowers blood pressure by blocking angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), a common target of prescription medications such as lynopril for some people with high blood pressure. ACE inhibition has been shown to not only lower blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, but also to reduce heart remodeling, slow the progression of atherosclerosis (plaque formation), and improve kidney function. Unfortunately, most ACE inhibitors have many side effects. Thymosin alpha-1 may provide the benefits of ACE inhibition without the side effects caused by existing drugs.

Thymosin Alpha-1 Research and Cancer

Studies using human lung cancer cells (A549) have shown that thymosin alpha-1 has an anti-proliferative effect, reducing the growth and metastasis of cancer cells. The peptide also appears to reduce cell migration, which helps reduce the infiltration of cancer cells into surrounding tissues (i.e., invasion).

Studies combining thymosin α-1 with dacarbazine, a common chemotherapy drug, have shown an improvement in progression-free survival and no increase in the incidence of toxicity. This suggests that thymosin alpha-1 enhances the effect of chemotherapy in reducing cell proliferation. Given the natural occurrence of this peptide, it is not unreasonable to speculate that it may one day become part of the foundation of a cancer vaccine that is designed to prevent tumors from developing, rather than treating the cancer after it has already occurred.

Recently, scientists developed a long-acting form of thymosin alpha-1 and tested it against breast cancer cells in mice. The results showed that the modified thymosin alpha-1 molecule was more effective in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells. The modified peptide appeared to increase levels of CD4 and CD8 cells, as well as levels of interferon γ and interleukin 2. This is especially important for patients treated with steroids for swelling caused by certain cancers.

Thymosin α-1 has been tested and is being actively tested in many different cancers. Positive results have been achieved:

• Breast cancer
• Melanoma
• Liver cancer
• Lung Cancer and Colon Cancer

Thymosin Alpha-1 Research and Inflammatory Pain

Inflammatory pain travels through specific pathways in the peripheral and central nervous system. Given the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of thymosin alpha-1, scientists hypothesized that the molecule could also be effective in reducing pain. Studies on mice have shown that this is indeed the case, and have even identified the specific pathways that thymosin α-1 interferes with. It turns out that thymosin α-1 acts directly in the presence of inflammation, reducing the production of cytokines and other molecules (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, etc.) that trigger pain in the first place. This mechanism of action is very different from typical anti-inflammatory pain medications and can improve pain relief with fewer side effects than existing medications.

Thymosin Alpha-1 and Cystic Fibrosis

One of the major complications of cystic fibrosis (CF) is rampant inflammation, leading to poor mucus clearance, increased infection rates, and other problems. All of these problems stem from the misfolding of a specific protein called CFTR. Studies have shown that thymosin α-1 can reduce inflammation and even improve the function of the CFTR protein. This peptide is expected to provide an effective single-molecule treatment for CF.