A rare peptide hormone that needs a bound zinc ion to fold and become active.
Also known as: zinc thymic factor · facteur thymique serique
Part of the Repair & recovery peptides cluster
Overview
Thymulin is a nonapeptide thymic hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells that requires a zinc ion for its biological activity and characteristic fold. It is studied for roles in T-cell differentiation and immune modulation. It is a research peptide and is not authorized by Health Canada for therapeutic use.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Thymic epithelial cells
Primary research or clinical context: Immunology research (not authorized by Health Canada)
Zinc dependence
Thymulin's defining feature is that it binds a Zn2+ ion to adopt its active three-dimensional structure; without zinc the peptide is biologically inactive. This zinc requirement makes it a notable example of a metal-dependent peptide hormone in immunology.
Immune-research role
Thymulin is studied for its influence on T-cell differentiation and natural-killer-cell activity, and can partially restore some T-cell functions in thymectomized animal models. Coverage here is educational and does not describe any approved therapeutic use.
FAQ about Thymulin
What is Thymulin?+
Thymulin is a nonapeptide thymic hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells that requires a zinc ion for its biological activity and characteristic fold. It is studied for roles in T-cell differentiation and immune modulation. It is a research peptide and is not authorized by Health Canada for therapeutic use.
Is Thymulin an approved medicine?+
Thymulin is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Immunology research (not authorized by Health Canada). This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Thymulin?+
Thymulin is commonly described as approximately 9 amino acids (Immunomodulatory peptide).