Thymosin α1 was first isolated from thymosin fraction 5, a preparation derived from the thymus gland. It was the first peptide from this fraction to be completely sequenced and synthesized . The amino acid sequence of Thymosin α1 is as follows: 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 .
Thymosin α1 plays a crucial role in the immune system. It enhances cell-mediated immunity by promoting the maturation of T cells, which are essential for the adaptive immune response . This peptide is believed to be a major component responsible for restoring immune function in animals lacking thymus glands .
Thymosin α1 has been approved in several countries for the treatment of various diseases, particularly those involving immune dysfunction. It is used to treat chronic hepatitis B and C, and it has shown potential in treating other conditions such as cystic fibrosis, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, peritonitis, acute cytomegalovirus infection, tuberculosis, severe acute respiratory syndrome, and lung infections in critically ill patients . Additionally, it has been studied for its potential use in cancer treatment, particularly in conjunction with chemotherapy .
Thymosin α1 modulates the immune response by enhancing the function of dendritic cells and T cells. It upregulates activation markers such as CD40, CD80, and TIM-3, particularly in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and increases the production of TNFα . This modulation helps improve lymphocyte functionality and reduces the production of proinflammatory cytokines, making it a beneficial therapeutic alternative for various immune-related conditions .
Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of Thymosin α1 in enhancing immune responses and improving outcomes in patients with immune-related diseases . Its potential as an adjuvant in SARS-CoV2 treatment has also been explored, showing promising results in reducing proinflammatory cytokine production and improving T cell functionality . As research continues, Thymosin α1 may find broader applications in immunotherapy and the treatment of autoimmune disorders.