Today, I'd like to discuss peptide bioregulators, specifically three immune system thymus peptide bioregulators known as vilon, thymogen, and crystagen. The reason I want to delve into immune-supporting peptides today is because I am a strong advocate for bolstering the immune system. In our world of continuous exposure to toxins and immune system imbalances, I personally like to have effective tools for supporting and maintaining immune function.
Before diving into the details of these peptides, I'd like to provide some context by briefly explaining the role of the thymus gland and discussing the various types of white blood cells and their roles in the innate and adaptive immune responses.
White Blood Cells:
White blood cells are essential components of the immune system, originating from hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow. These cells differentiate into various types with specialized functions. Granulocytes, characterized by granules in their cytoplasm, include neutrophils (rapid responders against bacterial infections), eosinophils (involved in allergic responses and combatting parasitic infections), basophils (release histamine and contribute to inflammation and allergy reactions), and mast cells (also releasing histamine).
In addition to granulocytes, there are monocytes, large phagocytic cells capable of clearing pathogens and cellular debris, which can differentiate into tissue-specific macrophages. The third "category" is lymphocytes, which play a crucial role in adaptive immunity. They include T lymphocytes (T cells) such as helper T cells (CD4+), cytotoxic T cells (CD8+), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and B lymphocytes (B cells) responsible for antibody-mediated immunity, as well as natural killer cells.
In summary, (and for the sake of brevity) we have three basic categories of white blood cells: granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes, each playing a role in either the innate or adaptive immune system.
Innate or Adaptive Immune System
The innate immune system acts as the body's rapid, first-line defense against pathogens, with cells like neutrophils and monocytes recognizing common features of invaders using pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These cells use phagocytosis and release inflammatory mediators to combat infections.
Moving on to the adaptive immune system, it is characterized by specificity and memory. T cells and B cells are essential components of this system. Cytotoxic T cells recognize and destroy infected host cells, while helper T cells coordinate immune responses. B cells produce antibodies to neutralize specific pathogens. The adaptive immune system's hallmark feature is memory, allowing it to respond effectively to previously encountered threats. These two branches, innate and adaptive, work together to provide comprehensive defense against infections and diseases.
Thymus Gland & T Cell Maturation
Now, let's shift our focus to the thymus gland and how hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow become T cells. Hematopoietic stem cells first will differentiate into lymphoid progenitor cells, still capable of differentiating into multiple immune cell types (including B cells, T cells, and natural killer cells). Then, these lymphoid progenitor cells must migrate from the bone marrow to the thymus gland, a specialized organ in the chest.
T cell development in the thymus involves education and selection, where T cells learn to distinguish self from non-self antigens. Successfully educated T cells mature in the thymus, acquiring specific T cell receptor (TCR) molecules. These mature T cells then move to peripheral lymphoid organs where they await activation. In peripheral lymphoid organs, mature T cells can be activated by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) like dendritic cells, leading to differentiation into various subsets like T helper cells etc...
All-in all, the thymus gland is crucial for the maturation of T lymphocytes, which are vital for adaptive immune responses.
Peptide Bioregulators: Vilon, Thymogen, Crystagen
Now, let's delve deeper into the peptide bioregulators mentioned earlier: vilon, thymogen, and crystagen. These synthetic peptide bioregulators were derived from the polypeptide complex called thymalin, extracted from the thymus gland of calves.
In general, peptide bioregulators are short sequences of amino acids, typically 2 to 4 amino acids long, and are tissue-specific, acting within specific body tissues. Also, these peptide bioregulators enter cells (and enter the nucleus) and interact with genetic material to promote protein synthesis.
Now, when these 3 bioregulators are combined, (thymogen, vilon, and crystagen) they were found to activate immune cell differentiation, increase viability and proliferation, and reduce apoptosis. Now, let's look at each peptide individually:
1. Vilon: Vilon induces the expression of CD4 molecules on thymus cells, promoting their differentiation into T helper cells (CD4+). It was also shown to suppress the expression of oncogenes and reduce the expression of MMP-9, which is relevant in biotoxin illness or CIRS.
2. Crystagen: When administered orally to elderly individuals with impaired immunity, crystagen, in combination with standard treatment, normalized the immunogram in 82% of patients, compared to 56% in the control group. It had a more significant effect on T-cell immunity and helped reduce chronic fatigue.
3. Thymogen: Thymogen has been used for the prevention and treatment of viral and bacterial diseases and postoperative complications. It restored immune parameters and reduced complications in elderly patients who had undergone surgery.
Regarding administration, these peptides can be administered a variety of ways. I have, personally, done many of the oral capsules. However, the choice depends on factors like bioavailability and use, but it's essential to consult with a licensed physician for guidance.
In conclusion, peptide bioregulators like vilon, thymogen, and crystagen hold promise in supporting immune function. Understanding their mechanisms and potential benefits can be valuable in maintaining overall health and immune system balance.
Sources:
Khavinson, V. K., Linkova, N. S., Chalisova, N. I., & Ivko, O. M. (2021). The Use of Thymalin for Immunocorrection and Molecular Aspects of Biological Activity. Biology Bulletin Reviews, 11(4), 377–382. https://doi.org/10.1134/S2079086421040046
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