Description
Thymulin is a nonapeptide with the sequence pyroglutamyl-alanyl-lysyl-seryl-glutaminyl-glycyl-glycyl-seryl-asparagine (Pyr-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn). It was first isolated in 1977 from thymic epithelial cells in the thymus gland. Without its zinc cofactor, the peptide has a molecular weight of approximately 858 g/mol and the formula C33H54N12O15.
What sets thymulin apart from other thymic peptides is its dependence on zinc. The peptide requires a Zn2+ ion to adopt the three dimensional conformation needed to interact with T cell receptors, and in the absence of zinc it exists as an inactive apopeptide. Researchers have used this zinc dependent switch to study the relationship between micronutrient status and immune function. Studies dating back to the 1980s, including work by Dardenne, Bach, and colleagues, showed that even mild zinc deficiency reduces circulating thymulin activity in both animal models and human subjects, and that zinc repletion restores it.
Thymulin has been studied primarily in the context of T cell differentiation, thymic function, and immune aging. As the thymus naturally shrinks with age, a process called thymic involution, thymulin levels decline in parallel, and researchers have linked this drop to the broader decline in immune function seen in older populations. Some research groups have also investigated thymulin’s role at the intersection of the immune and endocrine systems, since the peptide interacts with pathways involving growth hormone, prolactin, and gonadotropin release.
This product is strictly for research purposes only. Not approved for human or animal use.
PubChem Reference: View compound profile on NIH PubChem (keep existing link)
Key Characteristics
MOLECULAR PROFILE
Sequence Pyr-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn, Weight 858 g/mol (without zinc), Type: Nonapeptide (9 amino acids), Origin: Thymic epithelial cells
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Form: white lyophilized powder. Solubility: water soluble. Zinc Requirement: essential for folding. Storage: keep refrigerated 36 to 46°F (2 to 8°C).
Thymulin in Published Research
Early research on thymulin focused on its ability to restore immune function in thymus deficient animal models. In one frequently cited study, researchers found that a small dose of thymulin restored thymus dependent antibody production in stressed mice that had shown suppressed immune responses. Other preclinical work has examined thymulin in models of zinc deficiency, aging related immune decline, and, in limited early studies, T cell depleted conditions. Most of the available evidence comes from animal and in vitro research rather than large scale human clinical trials, and thymulin has not been developed into an approved pharmaceutical product.
Frequently Asked Questions :
What is Thymulin peptide used for in research?
Thymulin is studied mainly for its role in T cell differentiation, thymic function, and immune aging. Researchers also use it as a model system to study how zinc status affects immune signaling, since the peptide is biologically inactive without a bound zinc ion.
What are the benefits of Thymulin reported in studies?
Published research associates active, zinc bound thymulin with restored T cell maturation in zinc deficient or thymus depleted animal models, modulation of cytokine signaling, and a role in neuroendocrine immune communication. Because most data comes from preclinical research, these findings should be interpreted as research observations rather than established clinical benefits.
Does Thymulin have documented side effects?
Thymulin has not been developed into an approved human pharmaceutical, so there is no formal human safety or side effect profile established through large scale clinical trials. Any research involving Thymulin should follow standard laboratory safety protocols and appropriate institutional review.
How should Thymulin be reconstituted and stored?
Thymulin is supplied as a lyophilized powder that dissolves in water, commonly reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory use. Because the peptide requires zinc to remain in its active folded state, some research protocols include a zinc source during reconstitution. The reconstituted solution should be stored refrigerated at 2 to 8°C.
Where can I buy Thymulin peptide for research?
Peptides Vital supplies Thymulin as a 10mg kit, with each batch verified for purity through HPLC and mass spectrometry and a certificate of analysis available on request. It is sold strictly for laboratory and scientific research.
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Very satisfied with the smooth process and reliable delivery
Adam.j –
Peptides Vitals combines quality with professionalism perfectly
Michael Chris –
Peptides Vitals delivered my order quickly with excellent packaging. Very satisfied with the service.
James Daniel –
The product quality from Peptides Vitals was outstanding. Everything arrived fresh, sealed, and exactly as described.
Andrew Sam –
Great product consistency and excellent standards. I highly rate the quality from Peptides Vitals.
James T. Harrison –
Excellent purity for our immunology study
The 99% purity was clearly reflected in our ELISA results. Very consistent batch-to-batch. Shipped quickly to our lab
Maria Delgado –
Great addition to our thymic peptide research
Thymulin from Peptides Vital has shown reproducible activity in our in vitro models. Packaging was secure and arrived intact
Linda Park –
Reliable delivery and consistent results. Great stability under recommended storage. Shipping to Canada was faster than expected.
Robert Chen –
Highly satisfied with purity and service
Third-party testing confirmed >99% purity. The product page is clear about “research use only,” which we appreciate. Will buy again.
Sarah Mitchell –
Perfect for our aging study
We required Thymulin for a mouse model of immune senescence. This product delivered consistent biological activity. Free shipping over $200 helped too
Anthony Whitfield .R –
Excellent customer service and product
Had a question about storage — support replied within hours. Thymulin worked perfectly in our Western blot validation. Five stars.
Nicole B. Foster –
Very clean peptide by HPLC
Ran an analytical HPLC — single major peak. No degradation after 3 freeze-thaw cycles (aliquoted properly). Very happy with this purchase
Gregory Liu –
Great value for high-purity Thymulin
Compared to another supplier, Peptides Vital offered better price and same quality. International shipping was smooth. Will be a repeat customer
Vanessa Reynolds –
Fast US shipping and proper cold pack handling.