Thymosin α1 is a
peptide fragment derived from prothymosin alpha, a
protein that in humans is encoded by the PTMAgene.[3]
It was the first of the peptides from Thymosin Fraction 5 to be completely sequenced and synthesized. Unlike β thymosins, to which it is genetically and chemically unrelated, thymosin α1 is produced as a 28-amino acid fragment, from a longer, 113-amino acid precursor, prothymosin α.[4]
Function
Thymosin α1 is believed to be a major component of Thymosin Fraction 5 responsible for the activity of that preparation in restoring immune function in animals lacking thymus glands. It has been found to enhance cell-mediated immunity in humans as well as experimental animals.[5]
Therapeutic application
As of 2009[update] Thymosin α1 is approved in 35 under-developed or developing countries for the treatment of
Hepatitis B and C, and it is also used to boost the immune response in the treatment of other diseases.[6][7]
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