Thymulin (Zn-FTS, Zinc-Facteur Thymique Serique) is the biologically active form of thymulin, a nonapeptide hormone produced exclusively by thymic epithelial cells. Thymulin absolutely requires zinc for its biological activity - the zinc-free form (FTS) is inactive. The zinc-thymulin complex plays essential roles in T-lymphocyte differentiation, maturation, and immune regulation. Serum thymulin levels decline dramatically with age, correlating with thymic involution and contributing to age-related immune dysfunction. The discovery that zinc is required for thymulin activity established an important link between zinc nutrition and immune function, explaining in part why zinc deficiency impairs immunity.
Key Data
Mechanism of Action
Requires zinc for activity, modulates T-cell development and immune function.
Reported Benefits
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.