Thymosin Alpha-1 Restores Immune Function Destroyed by Chemotherapy in Mice
Thymosin alpha-1 restored T-cell function, NK cell activity, and cytokine production in mice immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide, supporting its use as an immune recovery agent during cancer chemotherapy.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Thymosin alpha-1 restored T-cell proliferation, NK cell cytotoxicity, and Th1 cytokine production (IL-2, IFN-γ) in cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed mice, demonstrating broad immune reconstitution capacity.
Key Numbers
How They Did This
Animal study in cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed mice. Thymosin alpha-1 administered SC. T-cell proliferation, NK cell activity, and cytokine production measured and compared to immunosuppressed and normal controls.
Why This Research Matters
Chemotherapy-induced immune suppression increases infection risk and reduces anti-cancer immunity. An agent that quickly restores immune function could reduce complications and improve cancer treatment outcomes.
The Bigger Picture
Cancer treatment often requires destroying the immune system to kill cancer. Thymosin alpha-1's ability to rapidly rebuild immunity could shorten the dangerous immunocompromised window and enable more aggressive treatment protocols.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Mouse model with complete immune suppression. Human immune recovery may be slower or different. The optimal timing and dosing for clinical use was not established.
Questions This Raises
- ?Should thymosin alpha-1 be given routinely after chemotherapy cycles?
- ?Does immune restoration improve anti-cancer immunity as well as infection resistance?
- ?What is the optimal timing for thymosin alpha-1 relative to chemotherapy?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Multi-cell restoration Thymosin alpha-1 restored T-cells, NK cells, AND cytokine production — broad immune rebuilding from a single peptide
- Evidence Grade:
- Preliminary animal evidence with comprehensive immune function measurements in a clinically relevant immunosuppression model.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2001. Thymosin alpha-1 is used clinically in some countries as an immune adjuvant during chemotherapy.
- Original Title:
- Restoration of immunocyte functions by thymosin alpha1 in cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficient mice.
- Published In:
- Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology, 23(1), 75-82 (2001)
- Authors:
- Ohmori, H, Kamo, M, Yamakoshi, K, Nitta, M H, Hikida, M, Kanayama, N
- Database ID:
- RPEP-00688
Evidence Hierarchy
Tests effects in animals (usually mice or rats), not humans.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can thymosin alpha-1 help after chemotherapy?
In mice, it restored multiple immune functions that chemotherapy destroyed — T-cells, NK cells, and important immune signaling molecules. This supports its use as an immune rebuilder between chemo cycles.
Is it used in cancer patients?
In some countries, yes. Thymosin alpha-1 is given alongside chemotherapy to help maintain immune function. This study provides the scientific basis for that clinical practice.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-00688APA
Ohmori, H; Kamo, M; Yamakoshi, K; Nitta, M H; Hikida, M; Kanayama, N. (2001). Restoration of immunocyte functions by thymosin alpha1 in cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficient mice.. Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology, 23(1), 75-82.
MLA
Ohmori, H, et al. "Restoration of immunocyte functions by thymosin alpha1 in cyclophosphamide-induced immunodeficient mice.." Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology, 2001.
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Restoration of immunocyte functions by thymosin alpha1 in cy..." RPEP-00688. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/ohmori-2001-restoration-of-immunocyte-functions
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.