Immune System Peptide Therapy

WHAT IS THYMOSIN ALPHA 1?

Thymosin alpha 1 (T α 1) is a peptide, or small protein, produced naturally by the thymus gland. The thymus is where immune cells known as T cells mature and are released when prompted to do so by the T α 1 peptide. T cell production and action within the body is vital to adaptive immunity. This is the mode by which immune cells are able to recognize and kill foreign invaders. Specifically, T α 1 has been shown to enhance the function of certain immune cells called T and dendritic cells. These white blood cells play pivotal roles in the body’s defense process to anyone with a depressed immune system or suffering from an infection.

Benefits of Thymosin alpha 1:

• Enhances the function of certain immune cells called T and dendritic cells
• Help eradicate the unhealthy cells and stop the infection or cancer growth
• Exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Suppresses tumor growth
• Increases vaccine effectiveness
• Protects against oxidative damage

T cells, for example, come in two forms: killer and helper T cells. Killer T cells are responsible for hunting down and destroying our body’s own cells that are cancerous or infected with bacteria or viruses. Helper cells work with the other cells of the immune system to orchestrate and carry out appropriate immune responses.

It is approved in more than 37 countries for the treatment of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and as an adjunct to chemotherapy and various vaccines. T α 1 has been found to have a profound effect on the immune system and is the active ingredient in the immune modulating drug, Zadaxin®. Zadaxin® is used to treat hepatitis B and C and has been studied extensively for its ability to support an immune system that has been suppressed by chemotherapy in cancer patients. Additional possible indications are malignant melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, drug-resistant tuberculosis, chronic fatigue and Di George’s syndrome as well as any chronic cancer or viral disease.

Thymosin Research:

Studies have shown that individuals fighting infection have a lower amount of circulating T α 1 and suppressed helper T cell numbers compared to healthy individuals. This is problematic, as the optimal immune function is vital to recovery from infection. Supplementation with T α 1 has the potential for great therapeutic benefit for patients suffering from an infection or autoimmune disease.

In addition to its use in the treatment of Hepatitis, AIDS, and cancer, T α 1 has shown great promise in the treatment of Lyme disease. This is unsurprising when one considers the large role the immune system plays in combating the disease.

T α 1 assists the immune system in the location and eradication of the Lyme bacteria and infected cells, while helping to prevent oxidative damage, thereby decreasing inflammation and enabling a better quality of life throughout treatment.