Thymulin
FTS | Zinc-Dependent Thymic Nonapeptide
Thymulin is a nonapeptide hormone exclusively secreted by thymic epithelial cells, discovered by Jean-François Bach in the 1970s. Unlike thymalin (a peptide extract mixture), thymulin is a single, defined 9-amino-acid peptide that requires zinc binding for biological activity. It plays a crucial role in T-cell differentiation and maturation within the thymus. Serum thymulin levels decline significantly with age and zinc deficiency, contributing to age-related immune decline (immunosenescence). Research has explored thymulin's potential in restoring immune function, managing autoimmune conditions, and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Mechanism of Action
Thymulin exerts its effects through binding to high-affinity receptors on T-lymphocytes and other immune cells. The zinc-thymulin complex is the biologically active form - without zinc, the peptide has no immunological activity. Thymulin promotes: (1) differentiation of immature T-cells into mature T-cell subsets, (2) modulation of cytokine release including IL-2 and interferon-gamma, (3) regulation of T-helper and T-suppressor cell balance, (4) enhancement of NK cell activity, and (5) anti-inflammatory effects through suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators. It also has neuroendocrine effects, influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Key Benefits
- Essential for T-cell maturation and differentiation
- Modulates immune responses (immunomodulatory)
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Declines with age - restoration may combat immunosenescence
- Well-defined single peptide (unlike extracts)
- Studied in autoimmune disease research
- Neuroendocrine regulatory effects
- Zinc-dependent activity allows for regulation
?AKSQGGS???pGlu
Position 1
Alanine
Position 2
Lysine
Position 3
Serine
Position 4
Glutamine
Position 5
Glycine
Position 6
Glycine
Position 7
Serine
Position 8
Asn (pyro
Position 9
Glu N
Position 10
terminus)
Position 11
Immune System Research
- Immunosenescence
Age-related decline in thymulin correlates with reduced immune function; supplementation may restore T-cell parameters.
- T-Cell Deficiency
Promotes differentiation and maturation of T-lymphocytes in thymus.
- Zinc Deficiency States
Thymulin activity depends on zinc; studied in zinc-depleted conditions.
Inflammatory & Autoimmune Research
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Research shows thymulin suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators.
- Autoimmune Conditions
Investigated for potential to restore immune balance in autoimmune states.
- Type 1 Diabetes Research
Studied for effects on pancreatic beta cells and immune modulation in diabetes models.
Neuroendocrine Research
- HPA Axis Modulation
Thymulin influences hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function.
- Neuroprotection
Some research suggests protective effects on neural tissue.
Thymulin is typically administered via subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection in research settings. As a small peptide, it can also be explored via intranasal delivery for CNS effects. Zinc status should be adequate for biological activity.
| Goal | Dose | Frequency | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research protocol (immune) | 1-10 mcg | Daily | SubQ |
| Intranasal (experimental) | Variable | As studied | Intranasal |
Reconstitution Instructions
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs
- Sterile vial
- 1 Ensure adequate zinc supplementation for activity
- 2 Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water
- 3 Inject water slowly down vial wall
- 4 Gently swirl until dissolved
- 5 Store refrigerated at 2-8°C
- 6 Use within 4 weeks of reconstitution
Essential - thymulin requires zinc for biological activity. Ensure adequate zinc status.
Different thymic peptides with complementary mechanisms.
Thymalin is a peptide mixture while thymulin is a single defined peptide; can complement each other.
Different mechanisms; no known negative interactions.
Different mechanisms; no known interactions.
Receptor binding and initial cellular signaling
Immune cell modulation begins; cytokine profile changes
T-cell differentiation effects; measurable immune parameters
Long-term immune restoration in research models
Common Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated in research
- Injection site reactions (mild)
Stop Signs - Discontinue if:
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Unexpected immune changes
Contraindications
- Autoimmune diseases (use with medical supervision)
- Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppression
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Known hypersensitivity to thymic peptides
Good Signs
- White lyophilized powder
- Clear solution after reconstitution
- Intact vacuum seal
- Certificate of analysis with sequence verification
Warning Signs
- Slight clumping that dissolves easily
Bad Signs
- Discolored powder
- Cloudy solution after reconstitution
- Particulates present
- Broken seal
- Thymulin (FTS) - A Thymic HormoneBach JF, Dardenne MClinics in Immunology and Immunopathology (1989)
Comprehensive review of thymulin discovery, structure, and immunological functions.
- The neuroendocrine role of thymulinJournal of Neuroimmunology (2000)
Thymulin modulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and has neuroendocrine effects beyond immunity.
- Zinc and thymulinAdvances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
Zinc is essential for thymulin biological activity; zinc deficiency causes functional thymulin deficiency.
- Thymulin and agingMechanisms of Ageing and Development
Serum thymulin levels decline dramatically with age, correlating with immunosenescence and increased infection susceptibility.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.