Thymosin alpha1: a historical overview.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences2007PMID: 17567941

Plain Language Summary

This historical overview traces thymosin alpha-1 from its initial isolation from the thymus gland in 1977 through decades of research into its immune-boosting properties. Studies revealed it enhances immune function by increasing MHC class-1 and Toll-like receptor expression and cytokine production, leading to clinical trials in hepatitis C and cancer patients using combination therapies.

Abstract

Thymosin alpha 1 (Talpha1), initially isolated from thymus, was characterized by Allan Goldstein in 1977. Since the beginning, our studies were aimed at evaluating its immunomodulating effects when used in combination with cytokines and chemotherapy. Combination therapies have now proved to be effective in inhibiting tumoral growth and in controlling infective diseases especially in the immunocompromised host. More recent studies showed that Talpha1 molecule increased major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-1 and Toll-like receptor expression as well as cytokine production, suggesting its immunoregulatory role. Overall these results led us to start pilot clinical trials on patients with hepatitis C and cancer.

Authors

Garaci, Enrico