Thymosin in the early diagnosis and treatment of high risk homosexuals and hemophiliacs with AIDS-like immune dysfunction
Naylor, P.H.; Schulof, R.S.; Sztein, M.B.; Spira, T.J.; McCurdy, P.R.; Darr, F.; Kessler, C.M.; Simon, G.L.; Goldstein, A.L.
Annals of the new York Academy of Sciences 437: 88-99
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0077-8923 PMID: 6398657 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1984.tb37125.xDocument Number: 422988
The adnormal levels of thymosin alpha 1 in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, depressed T-cell function, thymus pathology, and the restoration of T-cell function by thymosin fraction 5 (TF5) lend support to the hypothesis that the thymus plays a central role in AIDS. The thymosin alpha 1 assay may provide a means of identifying symptomatic carriers of AIDS. This paper summarizes the current status of diagnostic studies with thymosin alpha 1 in AIDS and reports the 1st clinical trial with thymosin in subjects with AIDS-like immune dysfunction. Serum samples from intravenous drug abusers, homosexuals, and Haitians with AIDS have revealed thymosin alpha 1 levels at least 2 standard deviations from the mean of controls without AIDS. Preliminary data from a pilot study in homosexuals and hemophiliacs at high risk for AIDS suggest that the administration of TF5 may be effective in reconstituting some T-cell mediated specific immune functions, including cell-medicated lympholysis (CML) and the mixed lymphocyte response (MLR), and enhancing the lectin-induced production of T-cell growth factor. On the other hand, TF5 has failed to have any effects on the T4/T8 ratio, absolute lymphocyte counts, or natural killer cell activity.