Thymosin alpha 1 (Ta1) is a peptide, or small protein, produced naturally by the thymus gland. It plays an extremely important role in the immune system. The thymus is where immune cells known as T cells mature and are released when prompted to do so by the Ta1 peptide. T cell production and action within the body is vital to adaptive immunity. This is the mode by which immune cells are able to recognize and kill foreign invaders.
Specifically, Ta1 has been shown to enhance the function of certain immune cells called T and dendritic cells. These white blood cells play pivotal roles in the body’s defense process to anyone with a depressed immune system or suffering from an infection. In addition to its use in the treatment of Hepatitis, AIDS, and cancer, Ta1 has shown exceptional promise in the treatment of Lyme disease. This is unsurprising when one considers the large role the immune system plays in combating the disease.