Thymosin Alpha-1
A synthetic 28-amino-acid N-terminally acetylated thymic peptide (Tα1) studied in laboratory settings for immune modulation and T-cell signaling research
Published January 1, 2025 · Reviewed by the Peptide Foundry Research Team
About Thymosin Alpha-1
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1, thymalfasin; CAS 62304-98-7) is a synthetic 28-amino-acid, N-terminally acetylated peptide derived from prothymosin alpha, originally isolated from thymic tissue. It is commonly described as a reference immunomodulatory peptide and has been studied in preclinical, in vitro, and clinical research for interactions with T-cell maturation, Toll-like-receptor and dendritic-cell signaling, and cytokine networks.
Thymosin Alpha-1 was first isolated in the 1970s from thymosin fraction 5, a thymic tissue extract characterized by the laboratories of Allan Goldstein and colleagues. It was later identified as a 28-amino-acid, N-terminally acetylated fragment of the larger precursor protein prothymosin alpha.
As a research compound, Thymosin Alpha-1 has accumulated an unusually large published literature spanning immune modulation, viral-infection models such as chronic hepatitis B and C study cohorts, vaccine-adjuvant investigations, sepsis research, and oncology-adjuvant research. It is marketed in some regions under the brand name Zadaxin and approved as a drug in certain countries; that status abroad does not imply any intended use of this research material.
Across these studies, Thymosin Alpha-1 has been examined for interactions with T-cell maturation, Toll-like-receptor and dendritic-cell signaling, natural-killer-cell activity, and cytokine modulation. This product is intended for research use only and is not for human consumption.
Quick Facts
| CAS Number | 62304-98-7 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅ |
| Molar Mass | 3108.30 g/mol |
| Sequence | 28 amino acids (N-terminally acetylated) |
| Form | Lyophilized powder |
| Purity | 99%+ (HPLC verified) |
| Third-Party Testing | Freedom Diagnostics (COA included) |
| Storage | Room temp 3–4 months; refrigerate post-reconstitution |
| Price (from) | $65.00 USD |
| SKU | PF-THYMA1-5MG |
How Thymosin Alpha-1 Works
In preclinical, in vitro, and clinical research, Thymosin Alpha-1 has been studied for interactions with T-cell maturation, Toll-like-receptor and dendritic-cell signaling, antiviral immune responses in infection models, and cytokine and natural-killer-cell modulation. The summaries below describe research areas only.
T-Cell Maturation Research
In laboratory studies, Thymosin Alpha-1 has been examined for associations with thymocyte differentiation and the maturation of naive T cells into functional CD4+ and CD8+ subsets, alongside markers of T-cell receptor signaling and immune-cell homeostasis in research systems.
TLR & Dendritic-Cell Signaling Research
In preclinical models, Thymosin Alpha-1 has been investigated for activation of dendritic cells through Toll-like receptors (notably TLR2 and TLR9) via MyD88-dependent and p38 MAPK/NF-κB pathways, linking innate-immune sensing to adaptive Th1 responses.
Antiviral Immune-Response Research
In clinical and laboratory research using viral-infection models, Thymosin Alpha-1 has been examined for associations with antiviral immune markers, including viral-replication readouts and interferon-pathway interactions, in chronic hepatitis B and C study cohorts. These are research observations only.
Cytokine & NK-Cell Modulation Research
In research models, Thymosin Alpha-1 has been studied for associations with cytokine and chemokine profiles (including IL-2, IL-12, IL-6, and TNF-α) and with natural-killer-cell activity and cytotoxic-cell readouts in immune-modulation experiments.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Thymosin Alpha-1?
- Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1, thymalfasin; CAS 62304-98-7) is a synthetic 28-amino-acid, N-terminally acetylated peptide derived from prothymosin alpha, originally isolated from thymic tissue. It is commonly described as a reference immunomodulatory peptide and has been studied in preclinical, in vitro, and clinical research for interactions with T-cell maturation, Toll-like-receptor and dendritic-cell signaling, and cytokine networks.
- What is the CAS number for Thymosin Alpha-1?
- The CAS number for Thymosin Alpha-1 is 62304-98-7.
- What purity is Peptide Foundry's Thymosin Alpha-1?
- Peptide Foundry's research peptides are manufactured to 99%+ purity. Every batch is verified by an independent third-party laboratory (Freedom Diagnostics) using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for purity and identity, Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay for bacterial endotoxin, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for heavy-metal contamination. A Certificate of Analysis is published for every product and batch.
- How should Thymosin Alpha-1 be stored?
- Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides are stable at room temperature for 3–4 months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and use within 30 days. Keep away from direct light and extreme temperatures.
- Does Thymosin Alpha-1 ship with a Certificate of Analysis?
- Yes. Every batch of every product ships with a Certificate of Analysis from Freedom Diagnostics, an independent third-party analytical laboratory. The COA documents HPLC purity, peptide identity, endotoxin testing, and heavy-metals screening.
- Is Thymosin Alpha-1 sold for human use?
- No. All products sold by Peptide Foundry are strictly for in-vitro research and laboratory use only (RUO). They are not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.
Scientific References
- Camerini R, Garaci E. Historical review of thymosin alpha 1 in infectious diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2015;15 Suppl 1:S117-27. PubMed: 26098768
- Romani L, et al. Thymosin alpha 1 activates dendritic cells for antifungal Th1 resistance through toll-like receptor signaling. Blood. 2004;103(11):4232-9. PubMed: 14982877
- You J, et al. Efficacy of thymosin alpha-1 and interferon alpha in treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B: a randomized controlled study. World J Gastroenterol. 2006;12(41):6715-21. PubMed: 17075991
- Garaci E, et al. Thymosin alpha 1: from bench to bedside. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007;1112:225-34. PubMed: 17600290
- Liu D, et al. Effect of ulinastatin combined with thymosin alpha1 on sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Crit Care. 2016;39:259-266. PubMed: 28069319
This product is sold strictly for in-vitro research use only (RUO). It is not intended for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application.