Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literature
Asimina Dominari, Donald Hathaway, Krunal Pandav, Wanessa F Matos, Sharmi Biswas, G. Narasimha Reddy, Sindhu Thevuthasan, Muhammad Adnan Khan, Anoopa Mathew, Sarabjot Singh Makkar, Madiha Zaidi, Michael Maher Mourad Fahem, Renato Beas, Valeria Castaneda, Trissa Paul, John H. Halpern, Diana Baralt
Abstract
Thymosin alpha 1 is a peptide naturally occurring in the thymus that has long been recognized for modifying, enhancing, and restoring immune function. Thymosin alpha 1 has been utilized in the treatment of immunocompromised states and malignancies, as an enhancer of vaccine response, and as a means of curbing morbidity and mortality in sepsis and numerous infections. Studies have postulated that thymosin alpha 1 could help improve the outcome in severely ill corona virus disease 2019 patients by repairing damage caused by overactivation of lymphocytic immunity and how thymosin alpha 1 could prevent the excessive activation of T cells. In this review, we discuss key literature on the background knowledge and current clinical uses of thymosin alpha 1. Considering the known biochemical properties including antibacterial and antiviral properties, time-honored applications, and the new promising findings regarding the use of thymosin, we believe that thymosin alpha 1 deserves further investigation into its antiviral properties and possible repurposing as a treatment against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2.