Peptides for Immune Support
Overview
12 research peptides are currently studied for immune support. This guide ranks them by evidence strength and covers their mechanisms, safety profiles, and current clinical status.
Thymosin Alpha-1 — Phase I–II Clinical Trials
Evidence Rating: C Category: Immune Modulator
Thymosin alpha-1 (Ta1) is a clinically proven, 28-amino-acid peptide (MW ~3,108 g/mol, Ac-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-OH) naturally produced by the thymus gland. A synthetic version (thymalfasin, marketed as Zadaxin)...
Key claims: Treats hepatitis B with sustained response; Enhances immune function and T-cell activity.
Thymulin — Early Clinical / Preclinical
Evidence Rating: C Category: Immune Modulator
Thymulin (FTS) is a 9-amino-acid zinc metallopeptide (sequence: pyroGlu-Ala-Lys-Ser-Gln-Gly-Gly-Ser-Asn, MW ~858 g/mol) secreted exclusively by thymic epithelial cells. It requires zinc binding for biological activity and plays a central role in T-cell differentiation and maturation. Thymulin serum ...
Key claims: Restores T-cell function in aging and immunodeficiency; Anti-inflammatory effects in animal models.
Thymalin — Early Human or Mixed Evidence
Evidence Rating: C Category: Immune / Anti-Aging
Thymalin is a polypeptide complex isolated from calf thymus glands, developed by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It has been used clinically in Russia since the 1980s for immunodeficiency states and as an anti-aging intervention. A ...
Key claims: Reduces mortality in elderly patients; Restores immune function in immunodeficiency.
LL-37 — Preclinical
Evidence Rating: D Category: Antimicrobial / Immune
LL-37 is the only human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide, a 37-amino-acid cationic peptide (sequence: LLGDFFRKSKEKIGKEFKRIVQRIKDFLRNLVPRTES) with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, viruses, and biofilms. Beyond direct pathogen killing, LL...
Key claims: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; Promotes wound healing.
KPV — Preclinical
Evidence Rating: D Category: Anti-Inflammatory / Immune
KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val, MW ~342.4 g/mol) derived from the C-terminal region (positions 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). It retains potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the full-length hormone without activating melanocortin rec...
Key claims: Reduces intestinal inflammation; Anti-inflammatory without pigmentation.
Beta-Defensins — Basic Science / Endogenous Reference
Evidence Rating: D Category: Antimicrobial / Immune
Beta-defensins are a family of small cationic antimicrobial peptides (36-45 amino acids, MW ~4-5 kDa) produced by epithelial cells throughout the body. The three best-characterized human beta-defensins are HBD-1 (constitutive), HBD-2 (inducible by infection/inflammation), and HBD-3 (broad-spectrum, ...
Key claims: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; Link innate and adaptive immunity.
Alpha-Defensins — Basic Science / Endogenous Reference
Evidence Rating: D Category: Antimicrobial / Immune
Alpha-defensins are a family of small cationic antimicrobial peptides (29-35 amino acids, MW ~3.5-4.5 kDa) with three characteristic intramolecular disulfide bonds. Human neutrophil peptides (HNP-1 through HNP-4) are stored in azurophilic granules and released during neutrophil degranulation, while ...
Key claims: Critical components of neutrophil antimicrobial defense; HD-6 forms nanonets to trap bacteria.
Lactoferricin — Preclinical Only
Evidence Rating: D Category: Antimicrobial / Immune
Lactoferricin is a 25-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide (f17-41 of bovine lactoferrin; MW ~3126 g/mol for bovine form) generated by pepsin digestion of lactoferrin. Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) is substantially more antimicrobially active than the parent protein and exhibits broad-spectrum activity ...
Key claims: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity; Anticancer activity in preclinical models.
Vilon — Animal/Preclinical Only
Evidence Rating: D Category: Immune / Anti-Aging
Vilon (Lys-Glu, KE) is a synthetic dipeptide (MW ~275.3 g/mol) developed by Khavinson as a simplified synthetic version of the active component in thymalin. It is one of the shortest bioregulatory peptides proposed to have immunomodulatory activity. According to Khavinson bioregulation theory, this ...
Key claims: Restores immune function in aging; Modulates gene expression via DNA binding.
Thymagen — Limited Evidence
Evidence Rating: D Category: Immune / Bioregulator
Thymagen (Glutamyl-Tryptophan) is a synthetic dipeptide from the Khavinson bioregulator series registered in Russia for immunodeficiency conditions. It modulates T-cell differentiation and immune function.
Key claims: Immune system normalization.
Thymogen — Limited / Russian-Language Evidence Only
Evidence Rating: D Category: Immune Modulator / Bioregulator
Thymogen is a synthetic dipeptide (L-glutamyl-L-tryptophan) developed in Russia as an immune modulator. It has been used clinically in Russia since the 1980s for immune deficiency states, post-surgical recovery, and as an adjunct in infectious disease treatment. While widely prescribed in Russian me...
Key claims: Enhances immune function in immunocompromised patients; Reduces infection rates post-surgery.
Kristagen — No Credible Evidence
Evidence Rating: F Category: Bioregulator / Immune
Kristagen is a Russian bioregulator peptide complex marketed for immune system support, derived from young animal thymus tissue extracts. Developed by the Khavinson group, it is promoted as a successor to Thymalin (a thymic extract used in Russian medicine since the 1970s). Like other Khavinson bior...
Key claims: Restores immune function in elderly patients; Extends lifespan.
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KPV Peptide Research Guide: Synthesis, Uses and Lab Safety
KPV peptide, a tripeptide of lysine, proline and valine with formula C12H22N4O4, shows anti-inflammatory effects in studies on bowel disease and wound healing. Labs produce it mainly via solid-phase peptide synthesis, confirmed pure by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Proper storage, quality checks and regulatory compliance ensure reliable research outcomes.
Anti-Aging Peptides: Research Compounds for Metabolism, Muscle, and Tissue Health
Explore a curated selection of anti-aging research peptides including BPC-157, GHK-CU, KPV, MOTS-C, NAD+, Retatrutide, SS-31, TB-500, and others. These compounds are studied for their potential roles in metabolism support, muscle growth, weight loss, and skin, tissue, and bone health. Average purity across products is 99.77%.