Thymulin
Facteur Thymique Serique (FTS)
Overview
Thymulin is a nonapeptide hormone produced exclusively by thymic epithelial cells that plays a central role in T-lymphocyte maturation and immune function. It is the primary thymic hormone involved in converting immature T-cell precursors into functional immune cells and requires zinc as a cofactor for biological activity. Thymulin levels decline dramatically with age in parallel with thymic involution making it a significant target in immunosenescence and longevity research. It has been studied in clinical contexts for immune deficiency conditions and as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.
Compound Data
Molecular Formula
C33H54N12O15
Molecular Weight
858.90 g/mol
IUPAC Name
(2S)-4-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-[[2-[[(2S)-5-amino-2-[[2-[[(2S)-6-amino-2-[[(2S)-2-[[(2S)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carbonyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]hexanoyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-5-oxopentanoyl]amino]acetyl]amino]acetyl]amino]-3-hydroxypropanoyl]amino]-4-oxobutanoic acid
PubChem CID
71300623Where does Thymulin sit?
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Mechanism of Action
Thymulin acts on immature thymocytes to induce the expression of T-cell surface markers and promote their differentiation into functional CD4+ helper T-cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells. It requires zinc chelation for receptor binding — zinc-free thymulin is biologically inactive. Beyond T-cell maturation thymulin modulates cytokine production reducing pro-inflammatory interleukins while supporting regulatory T-cell function. It has demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models through modulation of central and peripheral pain pathways. As thymulin levels decline with age immune surveillance weakens and inflammatory dysregulation increases — restoration of thymulin activity is one mechanism proposed for immune rejuvenation in aging.
Dosage Information
Typical Dose
10-50 mcg daily
Frequency
Once daily or every other day
Administration
Subcutaneous injection
Notes
Must be used with adequate zinc status for activity — ensure zinc sufficiency before use. Limited clinical data in humans.
Potential Side Effects
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Quick Facts
- Administration
- Subcutaneous injection
- Typical Dose
- 10-50 mcg daily
- Frequency
- Once daily or every other day
- References
- 0 curated + 50 from PubMed
- Evidence Score
- 28.2 / 100