Description
Thymosin α-1 is an endogenous immunostimulatory peptide that is used to treat immune deficiency diseases and to enhance vaccine immunogenicity. Thymosin α-1 enhances T-cell, dendritic cell, and antibody responses in vitro and inhibits steroid-induced thymocyte apoptosis. During transplants, thymosin α-1 activates indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, promoting immune tolerance. In vitro, this peptide modulates CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Treg cells and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.