Immune system
Thymulin
Also known as: Facteur Thymique Sérique (FTS), Serum Thymic Factor, Zink-Nonapeptid
A zinc-dependent nonapeptide secreted by the thymus and essential for T-cell differentiation. It is the only known thymic hormone that requires zinc as a cofactor.
Structure
- Sequence
- pGlu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn (+ Zn²⁺)
- Molecular formula
- C₃₃H₅₄N₁₂O₁₅Zn
- Amino acids
- 9
- Half-life
- ~15–30 minutes
Mechanism of action
The thymulin-zinc complex binds receptors on T-cell precursors and induces their differentiation and maturation.
Studies
More in Immune system
More detail (research areas, comparisons, FAQ): German lexicon entry.