Thymalin / Thymulin
Thymic peptide (zinc-dependent)
The thymus's T-cell signal.
Half-life
~ short
Mol. weight
868.9 g/mol (with zinc)
Sequence
Glu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn
Discussions
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Overview
A nonapeptide produced by the thymus epithelium that requires zinc for biological activity and is central to T-cell differentiation and immune regulation. Thymulin (sometimes referred to under the broader thymalin preparation) is the thymic hormone that orchestrates T-cell maturation; thymic involution with age is one reason immune function declines over time.
Mechanism of action
Thymulin is a thymus-derived nonapeptide that is biologically active only when bound to zinc (forming a zinc-peptide complex). It acts on T-cell precursors in the thymus to promote their differentiation into mature T cells, and modulates cytokine production. Its zinc-dependence is notable — zinc deficiency directly impairs thymulin activity and T-cell function, linking nutritional status to immune competence. As the thymus involutes with age, thymulin output falls, which is one driver of immunosenescence.
Researched benefits
- Drives T-cell differentiation and maturation
- Zinc-dependent — links nutrition to immune function
- Studied for age-related immune decline
Considerations
- Research-stage
- Zinc status affects activity
- Professional guidance advised
Key Academic Literature & Studies
Search more in PubMedPeer-reviewed citations and clinical trials evaluating Thymalin / Thymulin in scientific literature.
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