Thymogen

Research Overview

1. Structure and Molecular Characteristics

Thymogen is a short synthetic dipeptide composed of glutamic acid and tryptophan. Its molecular formula is C₁₆H₁₈N₃O₅, with a molecular weight of 322.32 g/mol [1]. Classified as an immunomodulatory peptide, Thymogen is notable for its simplicity yet pronounced biological activity in experimental systems. Its small size allows rapid cell penetration and interaction with immune signaling pathways [1].

2. Immunology Research

Thymogen has been extensively studied in models of T-lymphocyte differentiation and activation. Experimental data demonstrate that it enhances the proliferative activity of T-cells and normalizes thymic hormone-related signaling in vitro [2]. It also influences helper-to-suppressor T-cell ratios, a key parameter in immune regulation research [2].

In animal studies, Thymogen has been shown to support restoration of immune responses following suppression by toxins or stressors, positioning it as a model compound in immunology experiments [3].

3. Gene Expression and Cytokine Regulation

At the molecular level, Thymogen has been shown to regulate gene expression of cytokines including interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), as well as transcription factors related to immune activation [4]. This modulation has made it a valuable tool for research on peptide-mediated cytokine signaling and immune cell communication.

Additional studies highlight Thymogen’s influence on DNA repair and chromatin structure in immune cells, suggesting a role in maintaining genomic stability during immune activation [5].

4. Aging and Gerontology Research

Thymogen has been applied in gerontology studies to investigate age-associated immune decline. Findings indicate that it restores activity of thymic-derived cells and maintains T-cell responsiveness in senescent animal models [6]. Its consistent activity in aged tissues has made it a cornerstone in experimental research on immunosenescence and age-related immune dysregulation [6].

5. Broader Research Applications

Beyond immunology, Thymogen has been studied in systems biology models exploring oxidative stress, apoptosis regulation, and peptide-mediated signaling in non-immune tissues [4][5]. Its dual activity in gene expression modulation and immune regulation supports a wide range of research applications.

Referenced Citations

1. PubChem. Thymogen. CID 3084851. PubChem
2. Khavinson VKh, et al. Immunomodulatory effects of dipeptide Thymogen in lymphocyte cultures. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003. PubMed
3. Morozov VG, et al. Thymogen restoration of immune activity in animal models. Int Immunopharmacol. 2004. PubMed
4. Khavinson VKh, et al. Cytokine gene expression regulation by Thymogen. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2005. PubMed
5. Khavinson VKh, et al. DNA repair and chromatin modulation by short peptides in immune cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2006. PubMed
6. Khavinson VKh, et al. Thymogen and reversal of immunosenescence in aged animal models. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2007. PubMed

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