Advances in the basic and clinical applications of thymosin β₄

Abstract

Introduction: Thymosin β₄ (Tβ₄), a multifunctional peptide, has been used successfully in several clinical trials involving tissue repair and regeneration. The review will first update the current information on the common underlying cellular cascades and pathways that are basic to Tβ₄’s regenerative activity and second, on the current and potential uses of this protein in the clinic.

Areas covered: Significant advances in our understanding of the actions of Tβ₄ have occurred in directing stem cell maturation and in regeneration and repair of injuries. Many of its activities directly affect the repair cascade following injury. Using PubMed, we summarize the discovery and isolation of Tβ₄ as well as the studies on tissue repair, which have provided the scientific foundation for ongoing and projected trials in the treatment of eye injuries, dermal wounds, repair of the heart following myocardial infarction and healing of the brain following stroke, trauma or neurological diseases.

Expert opinion: Based on its multifunctional activities during tissue regeneration in various animal studies, Tβ₄ has the potential for new clinical applications such kidney and liver disease, as well as repair of spinal cord, bone and ligament damage. In addition, it may be useful in the treatment of a wide range of other applications, including the consequences of aging and viral infections.

Keywords:

• angiogenesis
• apoptosis
• endothelial progenitor cells
• fibrosis
• inflammation
• ischemic injury
• migration
• regeneration
• scar formation
• thymosin β4
• tissue repair

Acknowledgments

We are very grateful for the help of Jessica R Sa-Reed, George Washington University, for her help in preparation of this manuscript.

Declaration of interest

This paper is part of a supplemental issue, sponsored by SciClone. The preparation of this review was supported by funds from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, the George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC. AL Goldstein is Chairman of the Board and a holder of stock in RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., (Rockville, MD), a company developing Tβ₄ for the clinic. HK Kleinman is a consultant for RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes

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