Thymosin beta 4: A novel corneal wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent

Figures & data

Figure 1 Tβ₄ promotes corneal wound healing. By modulating the corneal inflammatory response and promoting re-epithelialization in response to injury, Tβ₄ may be a new a therapeutic option for ophthalmologists treating corneal inflammatory and wound healing disorders.

Table 1 Properties of thymosin beta 4 in the eye

Stimulates corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell migration in vitro Modulates production of metalloproteinases (MMP-1, -2, and -9) Accelerates corneal re-epithelialization in vivo after alkali injury and scrape wounding Inhibits corneal neutrophil infiltration after alkali injury in vivo Modulates and down-regulates a number of key inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and chemokines (MIP-1α and β, MIP-2, MCP-1) in the cornea Inhibits TNF-α-stimulated NFκB activation and nuclear translocation in corneal epithelial cells Increases TGF-β1 and laminin-5 expression in corneal epithelial cells Inhibits corneal epithelial cell apoptosis

Table 2 Thymosin β₄: Some potential clinical ocular applications

Inflammatory - Dry Eyes, Uveitis, Corneal Melts Infectious Keratitis (Bacterial, Viral and Fungal) Metabolic - Diabetic Eye Disease (Keratopathy) Trauma (chemical injury) Post Operative: cataract surgery, LASIK (Epi-LASIK, LASEK), PRK Other: Corneal transplants (PKP), Neurotrophic ulcers, Persistent epithelial defects, Recurrent erosions, Corneal abrasions