Thymulin helps stimulate the development of T-cells, which are crucial to the function of our immune system.  

Thymulin is a naturally occurring, nine amino acid peptide produced in the thymus gland and requires the mineral zinc for its biological activity. After its discovery in the 1970’s, it was demonstrated that Thymulin production and secretion is strongly influenced by interactions between both the neurological and endocrine systems. The thymus is located between the lungs and just below the breastbone (sternum) and grows from birth until puberty and then starts to slowly shrink until it is ultimately replaced by fat.  

While active, the thymus produces and secretes thymosin, a hormone necessary to stimulate the production of one group of white blood cells called T Cells (T lymphocytes), which are an essential part of our body’s immune system. Lymphocytes are responsible for defending the body against foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells that can pose a threat to any of its function.  

There are two main types of lymphocytes, T cells and B cells, that both originate from stem cells in our bone marrow. Some of the lymphocytes migrate to the thymus, where they mature into T cells while the others remain in the bone marrow and develop into B cells. B cells produce molecules called antibodies that will latch on and help destroy potentially damaging viruses or bacteria. 

T cells have two cell types, natural killer cells, that directly fight foreign invaders and produce chemicals called cytokines, which are biological substances that help activate other parts of the immune system to help in the fight. The other cell type, called helper T cells, which stimulate B cells to make antibodies, while also helping killer T cells. Most lymphocytes are only alive for couple of months, but some become a specialized memory cells that provide a more rapid and aggressive response if there is a repeat exposure to a foreign invader. These memory cells are very important part of our adaptive immune response.

Be careful not to confuse the peptides, Thymulin and Thymulin. These peptides have similar benefits but have different mechanisms of action and effects on the thymus. Thymulin supports the thymus and helps regulate its function whereas Thymalin stimulates the production of thymosin beta 4 and other peptides within the thymus to exert its effects.