Thymosin Alpha 1 10mg

Thymosin Alpha 1 (Tα1) 10mg — Thymic Immunomodulatory Peptide for T-Cell Biology and Innate Immunity Research

Thymosin Alpha 1 (Tα1) 10mg is a research-grade lyophilised preparation of Thymosin Alpha 1, a 28-amino-acid peptide originally isolated from thymosin fraction 5 of bovine thymus by Allan Goldstein and colleagues in 1977. The sequence of Tα1 is 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, incorporating an N-terminal acetylation that is essential for biological activity. Tα1 is the most biologically active component of thymosin fraction 5, a partially purified thymic extract that was extensively studied for its immunomodulatory properties in the 1970s and 1980s. Each 10mg vial supplied by AbsoluteBioLab contains lyophilised Tα1 acetate salt, verified by RP-HPLC to a minimum purity of ≥99.0%, with molecular identity confirmed by ESI-MS.

Tα1 is one of the most extensively studied immunomodulatory peptides, with a literature spanning over four decades and encompassing research in T-cell biology, innate immunity, antiviral defence, and cancer immunology. Tα1 acts through multiple receptor systems and signalling pathways to modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses. Its primary mechanism involves activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signalling pathways — particularly TLR2 and TLR9 — in dendritic cells and macrophages, leading to enhanced production of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines that prime antiviral and anti-tumour immune responses. Tα1 also promotes T-cell differentiation and maturation, particularly the development of Th1 CD4+ T cells and cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, making it a valuable research tool for investigating the mechanisms of T-cell-mediated immunity.

Compound Identity Matrix

Analytical Specification & Release Testing

Every batch of Thymosin Alpha 1 10mg supplied by AbsoluteBioLab is manufactured under GMP-aligned conditions and subjected to a comprehensive analytical release protocol. Purity is determined by RP-HPLC (C18 column, UV 220 nm) confirming ≥99.0% purity with a maximum single impurity of ≤0.5%. Molecular identity is confirmed by ESI-MS with the observed [M+nH]ⁿ⁺ ion series matched against the theoretical mass of Tα1 (MW 3,108.28 Da) to within ±0.1 Da. Endotoxin content is confirmed at <1.0 EU/mg by LAL kinetic turbidimetric assay. Residual moisture is confirmed at <5.0% w/w by Karl Fischer titration.

Mechanism of Action — TLR Activation, T-Cell Modulation, and Innate Immune Priming

Thymosin Alpha 1 modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses through multiple receptor systems and signalling pathways. In dendritic cells and macrophages, Tα1 activates Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) signalling pathways, leading to NF-κB activation and enhanced production of type I interferons (IFN-α/β), IL-12, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines that prime antiviral and anti-tumour immune responses. TLR9 activation by Tα1 in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) is particularly well-characterised and is thought to be a key mechanism by which Tα1 enhances antiviral immunity.

In T cells, Tα1 promotes the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells towards the Th1 phenotype, characterised by IFN-γ production and enhanced cytotoxic T-cell responses. Tα1 also promotes the maturation and activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, enhancing cell-mediated immune responses against virally infected and tumour cells. These effects on T-cell biology make Tα1 a valuable research tool for investigating the mechanisms of T-cell differentiation, activation, and effector function in the context of infectious disease and cancer immunology.

Tα1 also modulates regulatory T-cell (Treg) function and the balance between immune activation and tolerance. Research has shown that Tα1 can reduce the suppressive activity of Tregs in tumour microenvironments, potentially restoring effective anti-tumour immune responses. The compound’s ability to modulate the Th1/Th2/Treg balance makes it a useful tool for investigating the immunological mechanisms underlying chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, and cancer immunosuppression.

Research Applications

Thymosin Alpha 1 is used across several areas of immunology, virology, and cancer biology research. In innate immunity research, Tα1 is used to investigate TLR2 and TLR9 signalling in dendritic cells and macrophages, including the kinetics of NF-κB activation, cytokine production (IL-12, IFN-α/β, TNF-α), and the downstream effects on adaptive immune priming. Standard assays include ELISA-based cytokine quantification, NF-κB reporter assays, and flow cytometric analysis of dendritic cell maturation markers (CD80, CD86, MHC-II).

In T-cell biology research, Tα1 is used to investigate the mechanisms of T-cell differentiation, activation, and effector function. Researchers use Tα1 in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays, T-cell proliferation assays (CFSE dilution), and intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) assays to characterise its effects on Th1/Th2/Treg polarisation and CD8+ CTL activation. Tα1 is also used in animal models of infection and cancer to investigate its effects on T-cell-mediated immunity in vivo.

In cancer immunology research, Tα1 is used to investigate its effects on tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) function, regulatory T-cell activity in the tumour microenvironment, and the combination of Tα1 with checkpoint inhibitors or other immunotherapeutic agents. The compound’s ability to enhance both innate and adaptive anti-tumour immune responses makes it a valuable tool for investigating the immunological mechanisms of cancer immunotherapy.

Storage, Stability & Handling

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the molecular weight of Thymosin Alpha 1?
The molecular weight of Thymosin Alpha 1 is 3,108.28 Da (free base, N-terminal acetylated). The molecular formula is C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅ and the CAS number is 62304-98-7. Tα1 is a 28-amino-acid peptide with an N-terminal acetylation that is essential for biological activity.

Why is N-terminal acetylation important for Thymosin Alpha 1 activity?
The N-terminal acetylation of Tα1 is essential for its biological activity. Studies have shown that the deacetylated form of Tα1 has significantly reduced immunomodulatory activity compared to the N-terminally acetylated form. The acetyl group is thought to be important for the correct conformation of the peptide and for its interactions with receptor systems including TLR2 and TLR9. AbsoluteBioLab’s Tα1 preparations are confirmed to carry the N-terminal acetylation by MS analysis.

Is a Certificate of Analysis available?
Yes. Batch-specific CoA documents — including annotated HPLC chromatograms and MS data — are available through the AbsoluteBioLab CoA Portal and are included with each order.

Related Research Guides