Description
Thymulin | Zinc-Dependent Thymic Hormone — Immune Research
Thymulin (Facteur Thymique Sérique; FTS) is a nonapeptide (Glu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn) secreted exclusively by thymic epithelial cells. Unlike other thymic hormones, thymulin requires zinc chelation for full biological activity, making it a zinc-dependent immunoregulatory peptide. Its plasma levels decline dramatically with age and zinc deficiency, providing a quantifiable marker of thymic output and immune competence.
Mechanism of Action
- T-cell maturation — induces expression of T-cell surface markers (Thy-1, Lyt antigens) on immature thymocytes; promotes CD4/CD8 lineage commitment
- Zinc-dependent activation — thymulin-zinc complex is the biologically active form; zinc deficiency abolishes thymulin activity
- Anti-inflammatory cytokine shift — promotes IL-10 and TGF-β production while suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines in activated T cells
- NK cell regulation — modulates natural killer cell differentiation and activity in thymic reconstitution models
Research Areas
Thymulin is studied in ageing immunology (immunosenescence), thymic reconstitution, zinc biology, HIV/immunodeficiency models, and autoimmunity research. Pairs with Thymosin Alpha-1 as complementary thymic peptides targeting different immune populations.
For Research Use Only. Rainbow Peptide supplies this compound exclusively for in vitro and laboratory research purposes. Not for human or veterinary use.
Dr. E. Morris –
Thymulin for our thymic peptide immunology research. Purity confirmed >98.5% by HPLC. T-cell differentiation response in our thymocyte model matched published data. COA included endotoxin levels — essential for our in vitro assay validity.
S. Okafor –
Excellent Thymulin sourcing. Our immune research panel previously struggled to find high-purity Thymulin. Rainbow Peptide resolved that. LC-MS confirmed sequence integrity. Detailed COA. Fast delivery.
G. Nielsen –
Thymulin performed well in our zinc-dependent activity assay. Purity >98%. COA thorough. Arrived cold. Our T-cell stimulation model showed the expected Zn-Thymulin activity profile.