Thymosin Alpha-1 Overview
Thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) is a synthetic 28-amino-acid peptide corresponding to the biologically active N-terminal fragment of prothymosin-α. It has been extensively studied in laboratory research for its role in immune regulation, including effects on T-cell maturation, dendritic cell activity, and cytokine signaling.
In experimental settings, thymosin alpha-1 is used as a defined single-sequence peptide (not a peptide complex), making it suitable for controlled studies of innate and adaptive immune pathways.
Thymosin alpha-1 is supplied strictly for laboratory and analytical research purposes.
Mechanism of Action
Thymosin alpha-1 is studied as an immunomodulatory signaling peptide. In research models, it has been associated with:
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Modulation of T-lymphocyte differentiation and activation
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Enhancement of antigen presentation and dendritic cell function
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Regulation of cytokine signaling (e.g., interferon-related pathways)
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Support of innate immune responses alongside adaptive immunity
Rather than acting through a single receptor, Tα1 is examined as a broad immune regulator influencing multiple downstream signaling networks.
Chemical Structure
Chemical Name:
Thymosin alpha-1
Synonyms:
Tα1, Thymosin-α1
Peptide Type:
Synthetic immunomodulatory peptide
Peptide Length:
28 amino acids
Peptide Sequence:
Ac-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Ser-Ser-Ala-Glu-Lys-Gln-Ala-Gly-Asp-Pro-Lys-Asp-Lys-Ala-Glu-Ile-Glu-Gly-Ala-Ala-Ala-Gly-Gly
(N-terminal acetylated)
Molecular Formula (peptide):
C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
Molecular Weight (peptide):
≈ 3,108.3 g/mol
CAS Number:
62304-98-7
Structural Description:
Thymosin alpha-1 is a linear, N-terminally acetylated peptide lacking cysteine residues (no disulfide bonds). Its defined sequence enables reproducible investigation of immune signaling and cytokine-related pathways in laboratory research. Structural identification corresponding to CAS 62304-98-7 is indexed in peptide registries and supplier databases.
Note: Molecular weight and composition refer to the peptide backbone; salt forms (e.g., acetate) may vary slightly.
Physical and Chemical Properties
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Appearance: White to off-white lyophilized powder
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Solubility: Soluble in water and buffered aqueous solutions after reconstitution
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Stability: Stable when stored lyophilized under cold, dry, and light-protected conditions
Research Focus Areas
Thymosin alpha-1 is commonly examined in laboratory research related to:
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T-cell development and immune signaling
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Innate and adaptive immune pathway modulation
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Cytokine and interferon signaling research
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Immunology and host-defense mechanism studies
Research Use Disclaimer
Thymosin alpha-1 is intended for research use only.
Not for human consumption, therapeutic use, or diagnostic application. All handling and use must comply with applicable laws, regulations, and laboratory safety standards.
Summary
Thymosin alpha-1 (Tα1) is a well-defined immunomodulatory peptide with verified chemical identifiers:
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CAS: 62304-98-7
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Molecular Formula: C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
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Molecular Weight: ≈ 3,108.3 g/mol
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Peptide Length: 28 amino acids
Its single, defined peptide sequence and extensive research history make thymosin alpha-1 a cornerstone compound for laboratory studies of immune regulation and cytokine signaling.
| CAS Number | 62304-98-7 |
| Other Names | Thymalfasin, Zadaxin, Thymosin alpha1, Thymosin alpha 1 |
| IUPAC Name | (4S)-4-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S,3S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S,3R)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-acetamido-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-methylpentanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxybutanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-3-carboxypropanoyl]amino]-4-methylpentanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-6-aminohexanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-3-methylbutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]-4-carboxybutanoyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-5-[[(1S)-3-amino-1-carboxy-3-oxopropyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅ |
| Molecular Weight | 3108.32 |
