Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1 or TA1) is a 28-amino acid peptide naturally present and isolated from the thymus. It holds an integral role in regulating inflammation, restoring immunity, and enhancing immune tolerance [1].
These functions are crucial for defenses against viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, as well as for inhibiting autoimmunity and tumorigenesis.
Tα1 stimulates the innate, adaptive, and humoral immune responses, acting as agonists of toll-like receptors (TLRs) 9 and 2 in specialized antigen-presenting cells, such as myeloid and dendritic cells [1].
Moreover, Tα1 can increase the levels of cytokines: IL-2, IL-10, IL-12, and interferon (IFN) α and γ [1]. These actions are fundamental for fighting viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
On the other hand, Tα1 down-regulates IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, reducing the inflammatory response that may be responsible for autoimmunity and cytokine storms [1].
Tα1-induced immunosuppression can prevent cytokine storm, a catastrophic event seen in some infectious diseases or sepsis.
Finally, Tα1 promotes T-cell maturation into CD4+/CD8+ T cells and activates natural killer cells, giving it a crucial role in anti-cancer immunity [1].
Tα1 has been rigorously tested and has a track record of safety.
Since its discovery in the early 1980s, it has been used in various clinical settings as adjuvant treatment, and it has been approved for treating hepatitis B and C in some countries [1].
Besides hepatitis B and C, Tα1 has been proven to be a beneficial treatment for patients with HIV, serving as a safe adjuvant to antiretroviral therapy [1].
In addition, it has shown positive effects in immunocompromised patients following bone marrow transplant or in lowering mortality in patients with sepsis [1, 2]. Tα1 also improves immunogenicity of the influenza vaccine [1].
Additionally, Tα1 helps regulate immunity and reduce inflammation in patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, likely through its anti-inflammatory activity [3].
Tα1 has been used as an adjuvant therapy in many infectious diseases, including chronic hepatitis B and C, HIV, pseudomonas [4], and mold pneumonia in immunocompromised patients [4].
As an adjuvant in HIV antiretroviral therapy, it helps in increasing CD4+ cell count, stimulates the function of CD4+ cells, and decreases viral load [1].
In addition, Tα1 significantly increases levels of sjTREC in patients with advanced HIV disease, in contrast with the dramatic decline of sjTREC levels as the disease progresses and naive T cells are depleted.
An important feature of Tα1 is that it also has an immunomodulatory role that can mitigate sepsis and cytokine storms. A single-blind randomized control trial conducted in six tertiary hospitals in China demonstrated 9% lower mortality in the Tα1-treated group compared to the control group of patients with sepsis [2].
The anti-tumor effect of Tα1 was studied both in cancer cell lines and in vivo. It has been studied as a single immunotherapeutic agent or combined with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery.
Tα1 inhibits cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, as well as promotes immunosurveillance by increasing the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I and tumor antigens [3].
In 2015, Guo et al. concluded that Tα1 can decrease proliferation and induce apoptosis in human cancer cell lines such as human leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, and other cancers [1].
Tα1 has shown promising results in patients with malignancies. Tα1 tripled the response rate to dacarbazine in stage IV melanoma patients, compared to dacarbazine alone.
It also has proven beneficial effects in head, neck, and hepatocellular carcinoma as well as lung and breast cancer, possibly acting as an immune checkpoint inhibitor [1, 3].
Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus are characterized by a dysregulated immune system.
Tα1 levels are not only dramatically lower in patients with psoriatic arthritis when compared with healthy individuals but also when compared with patients with systemic lupus or rheumatoid arthritis [5].
Research Use Only. All findings described above are derived from preclinical studies (animal models and in vitro experiments). Thymosin Alpha 1 is not approved by the FDA for any diagnostic or therapeutic use in humans. Genesis Peptides makes no claims regarding human clinical efficacy. This product is sold exclusively for laboratory research.
Every lot undergoes five independent assays before release. Results are published in the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Every lot undergoes our 4-panel testing protocol: HPLC purity analysis, ESI-MS identity confirmation, LAL endotoxin screening, and amino acid analysis (for peptides >15 residues). Full analytical data is published in the Certificate of Analysis for each lot.
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20°C or below for long-term stability. Once reconstituted, peptides should be stored at 2–8°C and used within a reasonable timeframe depending on the specific compound. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Always store in a dry environment away from direct light.
Orders placed before noon PST, Monday–Saturday, ship the same day. We offer free standard shipping on orders over $150. All orders are shipped in insulated packaging with ice packs when necessary. Standard delivery typically takes 2–4 business days within the continental US.
No. All compounds sold by Genesis Peptides are strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic purposes. By purchasing, you confirm the products will be used solely for legitimate research applications.
A Certificate of Analysis (COA) is a document issued by our analytical laboratory that reports the results of all quality control tests performed on a specific lot of product. Each COA includes HPLC chromatograms, mass spectra, endotoxin results, and amino acid analysis where applicable. COAs are available in our COA Library for every lot we have shipped.
Yes. We offer volume pricing for universities, research institutions, and laboratories with recurring needs. Discounts begin at 10+ units and scale with volume. Contact our team for a custom quote tailored to your research requirements.
FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY — Products are sold exclusively for in vitro and preclinical laboratory research. Not for human consumption or administration. Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic use. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.