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.
| Research Status | Preclinical |
|---|---|
| Half-Life | Unknown |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Typical Dosage | Research varies |
| Molecular Weight | 921.4 Da (with zinc) |
| Molecular Formula | C33H52N10O16Zn |
Requires zinc for activity, modulates T-cell development and immune function.
All information is presented for Research Use Only (RUO). Not medical advice.