Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1, thymalfasin; Zadaxin) is a 28-amino-acid, N-terminally acetylated thymic polypeptide studied as an immunomodulatory peptide and biological response modifier. Originally isolated from calf thymus and sequenced by Goldstein et al. (1977), it acts at the interface between innate and adaptive immunity. Supplied as a high-purity lyophilized powder in 10mg vials for laboratory research use only.
Scientific Background and Mechanism
In the research literature, Tα1 is described as a pleiotropic immunomodulator rather than a tissue-repair or angiogenic peptide. It signals through Toll-like receptors on dendritic cells, driving downstream interferon and T-cell responses via the MyD88 pathway.
- Signals through TLR2 on myeloid dendritic cells and TLR9 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells via MyD88-dependent activation of IRF7 and the IFN-α/IFN-γ effector pathway (Dominari et al., 2020).
- Promotes maturation and differentiation of dendritic cells and drives Th1 polarization, augmenting CD4+/CD8+ T-cell and NK-cell function (Dominari et al., 2020).
- Induces indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) in dendritic cells, establishing a regulatory balance between effector immunity and tolerance (Romani et al., 2007).
- Stimulates cytokines including IFN-γ and IL-2, characterising Tα1 as an endogenous regulator of inflammation, immunity and tolerance.
Biochemical Properties and Stability
Tα1 is a heat-stable, highly acidic molecule. The N-terminal acetylation is structurally important for full biological activity and improves resistance to aminopeptidase degradation, extending the molecule's stability relative to the free-amine form (Liu et al., 2013).
- Amino Acid Sequence: Ac-SDAAVDTSSEITTKDLKEKKEVVEEAEN (28 residues, N-acetylated)
- Molecular Weight: ≈ 3108.79 Da (mature N-acetylated form; the acetyl group adds ~42 Da over the 3065 Da non-acetylated peptide)
- Biological Half-Life: terminal plasma half-life ≈ 2 hours after subcutaneous dosing; Tmax 1–2 h, no accumulation on repeated dosing (Rost et al., 1999)
Buy Thymosin Alpha-1 at Bergdorf Bioscience
Bergdorf Bioscience offers Thymosin Alpha-1 as a 10mg lyophilized vial with tiered pricing for single-vial pilot studies or multi-vial research kits. Strictly for in-vitro and laboratory research.
- 10mg vial — 1 Pack (single vial)
- 10mg vial — 2 Pack (research kit, bulk value)
- 10mg vial — 3 Pack (extended research, best value)
Every batch is verified to ≥99% purity by HPLC; the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming identity, purity and N-terminal acetylation is available on our website (sometimes earlier on request). Each vial passes documented quality-control checks before release.
Worldwide Shipping - Safe and Hassle-Free
We ship Thymosin Alpha-1 worldwide with discreet, tracked packaging. Lyophilized vials are dispatched promptly and should be stored refrigerated at 2–8 °C; researchers should follow the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis for handling and reconstitution.