Multiple sclerosis is a disease afflicting over 2.5 million people. Because of this Italian-American group of researchers reviewed the state-of-the-art on the effects of thymosins on MS.

Multiple sclerosis is autoimmunological disease of central nervous system, in which demyelination and breakdown of the axons in nervous tissue. Its signs and symptoms are among others: loss of sensitivity, muscle weakness, difficulties in coordination, balance and movement, problems with speech or seeing and acute or chronic pain.

Thymosins are a group of polypeptides extracted first from thymus hence the name. In that paper focus is on thymosin a1 (Ta1) and thymosin b 4 (Tb4).

Clinical use of Ta1 was based mostly to use beneficial effects on immune system, what might look ridiculous in curing autoimmune disease which might need anti-inflammatory therapy. However quoted research results show positive effect of Ta1 on differentiation of regulatory B cells and generating regulatory T cells. This knowledge may influence use of Ta1 in MS or other autoimmune diseases.

On other hand Tb4 has broad spectrum of protective and repairing use on neurological degenerations and damages in the central nervous system, especially promotes proliferation and differentiation of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and remyelination. This supports usage of Tb4 in demyelinating diseases as MS.

Authors also consider thymosins in immunomodulatory therapies with other drugs to accordingly influence lymphocyte levels and differentiation tempo which would lead to alleviation of pain and quicken treatment and support remyelination, synaptogenesis and axon growth meaning faster regeneration of body.

Full article can be found in journal “Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders”: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2018.09.035