Thymosin alpha1: isolation and sequence analysis of an immunologically active thymic polypeptide

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1977 Feb;74(2):725-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.74.2.725.

Abstract

The amino acid sequence of a biologically active polypeptide isolated from calf thymus, termed thymosin alpha1, has been determined. Thymosin alpha1 is a heat stable, highly acidic molecule composed of 28 amino acid residues. This peptide is one of several present in thymosin fraction 5 that may participate in the regulation, differentiation and function of thymus-dependent lymphocytes (T cells). A nomenclature for the family of polypeptides present in thymosin fraction 5 is suggested.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Amino Acids / analysis
  • Animals
  • Biological Assay
  • Cattle
  • Chymotrypsin
  • Peptide Fragments / analysis
  • Thermolysin
  • Thymosin* / immunology
  • Thymosin* / isolation & purification
  • Thymus Gland
  • Thymus Hormones* / immunology
  • Trypsin

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Thymus Hormones
  • Thymosin
  • Chymotrypsin
  • Trypsin
  • Thermolysin