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Dialyzable leukocyte extracts contain thymosin
Thymus
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Thymosin alpha 1 peptide enhances the regeneration of T-lymphocyte receptors that bind to sheep erythrocytes. This peptide also boosts E-rosetting cells in patients with immunodeficiency, suggesting therapeutic potential for T-cell function.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- T-lymphocytes possess surface receptors for sheep erythrocytes (E).
- Trypsinization removes these T-lymphocyte E-receptors.
- Human dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE) and thymosin (Fraction V) can enhance E-receptor regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of thymosin alpha 1 peptide in T-lymphocyte E-receptor regeneration.
- To assess the effect of thymosin alpha 1 on E-rosetting cells in immunodeficiency patients.
Main Methods:
- T-lymphocytes were treated with trypsin to remove E-receptors.
- Human DLE preparations and purified thymosin alpha 1 were used to assess regeneration rates.
- In vitro assays were performed on patients with immunodeficiency.
Main Results:
- Human DLE preparations significantly increased the regeneration rate of T-lymphocyte E-receptors.
- Physical-chemical and immunochemical analyses indicated thymosin alpha 1 peptide as a key component in DLE responsible for this effect.
- Purified thymosin alpha 1 peptide and DLE-derived thymosin alpha 1 enhanced E-receptor regeneration and increased E-rosetting cells in immunodeficiency patients.
Conclusions:
- Thymosin alpha 1 peptide is at least partly responsible for the enhancing effect of human DLE on T-lymphocyte E-receptor regeneration.
- Thymosin alpha 1 demonstrates potential for improving T-cell function in immunodeficiency disorders.