Thymosin Alpha 1, also known as TA1, is a 28 amino acid peptide. It is naturally produced and isolated from the human thymus, a small gland that makes and trains immune cells (T-cells). The T-cells help your immune system fight disease and infection.
Description
What is Thymosin Alpha 1?
Thymosin Alpha 1, also known as TA1, is a 28 amino acid peptide. It is naturally produced and isolated from the human thymus, a small gland that makes and trains immune cells (T-cells). The T-cells help your immune system fight disease and infection.How does Thymosin Alpha 1 Work?
Thymosin Alpha 1 has a dual mechanism of action:
Immune Modulating Effect
Thymosin Alpha 1 exerts its immune-modulating activity by interacting with Toll-like receptors (TLR), a group of proteins that regulate innate immunity. Specifically, TA1 interacts with TLR9 and TLR2 on dendritic cells and other immune system cells to modulate immune function.Direct Acting Effect
TA1 also increases the expression of antigens (MHC Class 1, MHC Class 2, and B-2 microglobulin) to help the immune system recognize virally infected cells. Aside from that, the peptide reportedly inhibits the in-vitro growth of virally infected and cancer cells.Thymosin Alpha 1 Research:
Thymosin Alpha 1 has shown efficacy in the treatment of several diseases in which the immune system malfunctions or is compromised. In this section, we’re going to highlight studies in which the effects of this naturally occurring peptide fragment on these and other diseases were investigated.Thymosin Alpha 1 and Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that damages your lungs, digestive tract, and other organs. There’s currently no cure for this disease. In a preclinical study, TA1 displayed the ability to rectify the multiple tissue defects in mice with this condition as well as in cells from human subjects.Thymosin Alpha 1 and Sepsis
To investigate the effects of TA1 on sepsis, a systematic review of 6 clinical trials was conducted. Results show that TA1 increased the survival rate of septic patients. In addition, the peptide decreased the patient’s mean time of ICU stay as well as mechanical ventilation time.Thymosin Alpha 1 and HIV
A pilot study was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of TA1 in patients taking a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Results from the trial show that TA1 was well-tolerated. It caused no adverse effects in the patients and enhanced immune reconstitution.Thymosin Alpha 1 and Hepatitis B
Various clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TA1 in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. In one of these trials, TA1 monotherapy (1.6 mg twice a week for 6 months) resulted in disease remission rates ranging from 26 to 41%.Thymosin Alpha 1 and Hepatitis C
In a randomized clinical trial involving 109 hepatitis C patients, the combined TA1 and Interferon (IFN) therapy reduced the viral RNA load in 37.1% of patients. The TA1+IFN group also experienced biochemical, histological, and virological improvements at the study’s conclusion.Thymosin Alpha 1 and Breast Cancer
In a cell-based study, this immune system modulator suppressed the proliferation and induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. The compound reportedly did that by enhancing the activity of PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene that is frequently mutated in a variety of human cancers.
Thymosin Alpha 1 and Lung Cancer
Two clinical trials on TA1 in lung cancer patients have shown that TA1 treatment is associated with significant improvements in immune parameters. It was also associated with prolonged relapse-free time and overall survival, especially for patients with non-bulky tumors.Thymosin Alpha 1 and Respiratory Disorders
A clinical study investigated the preventive effects of TA1 on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results from the trial show that the peptide offers good protection against the acute exacerbation of this condition by increasing the body’s cellular immune activity.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the half-life of Thymosin Alpha 1?