Vilon (Lys-Glu) - Thymus-Derived Immunomodulatory Dipeptide

Vilon for Research: Complete Scientific Overview

Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide with the amino acid sequence Lysyl-Glutamic Acid (Lys-Glu), originally derived from the thymus gland. As a member of the thymic peptide family, Vilon has been investigated for its immunomodulatory, geroprotective, and cytoprotective properties. Research indicates that Vilon may influence gene expression related to immune function, cellular senescence, apoptosis, and tissue repair, making it a valuable research tool for studying immunosenescence (age-related immune decline), thymic function, and regenerative medicine. The thymus gland, which atrophies with age, is central to T-cell maturation; Vilon offers a means to investigate thymic peptide biology independently of whole-gland extracts.

Mechanism of Action

Vilon exerts its biological effects through multiple well-characterized mechanisms:

• Gene Expression Modulation: Regulates expression of genes involved in immune function, cellular senescence, and apoptosis, including cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ), growth factors, and cell cycle regulators (p53, p21).
• Immunomodulation: Enhances T-cell function and proliferation, promotes lymphocyte differentiation, and modulates cytokine production towards a balanced Th1/Th2 profile.
• Anti-aging & Senolytic Effects: Reduces markers of cellular senescence (SA-β-gal, p16INK4a) and oxidative stress (8-OHdG, MDA), potentially extending cellular lifespan in research models.
• Cytoprotection: Protects cells from various stressors including oxidative damage, ionizing radiation, and chemical toxins through upregulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx).
• Thymic Regeneration: Promotes restoration of thymic tissue architecture and cellularity in age-related decline and involution models.
• Chromatin Remodeling & Epigenetics: May influence epigenetic regulation through effects on histone acetylation and DNA methylation patterns, affecting gene accessibility.
• Telomere Maintenance: Preliminary research suggests potential effects on telomerase activity and telomere length regulation in immune cells.

Key Research Applications

• Immunosenescence & Aging Immune System: Investigating age-related decline in T-cell function, thymic involution, and restoration of immune competence in aged animal models.
• Thymic Function & T-Cell Development: Studying thymocyte differentiation, positive/negative selection, and regeneration of thymic epithelium following injury or age-related atrophy.
• Immunomodulation & Cytokine Regulation: Evaluating effects on lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, and cytokine networks in both healthy and immunocompromised models.
• Anti-Aging & Longevity Research: Assessing effects on lifespan extension, healthspan parameters, and age-related biomarkers in invertebrate and vertebrate models.
• Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Repair: Investigating peptide-mediated regeneration of lymphoid tissues and wound healing in immunocompromised states.
• Autoimmune Disease & Inflammation: Studying immunomodulatory effects in models of autoimmune conditions (e.g., experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, collagen-induced arthritis).
• Radiation Protection & Cytoprotection: Evaluating protective effects against ionizing radiation, chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression, and chemical toxins.
• Epigenetic Regulation & Gene Expression: Investigating chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation changes, and transcriptional profiles following Vilon treatment.

Comparison: Vilon vs Related Thymic Peptides

• Vilon (Lys-Glu - KE): Dipeptide; immunomodulatory, anti-aging, cytoprotective; influences gene expression and immune function; thymus-derived.
• Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1): 28-amino acid peptide; enhances T-cell function, immunomodulatory, used in infectious disease and cancer immunology research.
• Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4): 43-amino acid peptide; actin-binding, wound healing, angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory; broader tissue repair functions.
• Thymulin (Facteur Thymique Sérique): Nonapeptide (zinc-dependent); promotes T-cell differentiation and immune maturation.

Chemical Information & Handling

CAS Number: Refer to COA
Molecular Formula: C11H21N3O6
Molecular Weight: 291.3 g/mol
Sequence (3-Letter): Lys-Glu
Sequence (1-Letter): KE
Purity: >99% (HPLC)
Form: Lyophilized powder
Solubility: Soluble in water, saline, PBS, and DMSO (excellent aqueous solubility due to charged residues)
Storage: -20°C (lyophilized), 4°C (reconstituted). Stable for 24 months when stored at -20°C.
Reconstitution: Reconstitute with sterile bacteriostatic water or sterile saline. Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not vortex. Aliquot to avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

Each vial contains exactly the indicated net peptide weight. For long-term storage, keep lyophilized powder at -20°C away from light and moisture. Reconstituted solutions should be used within 14-30 days when stored at 4°C.

Quality Assurance

PeptideVanta's Vilon undergoes rigorous quality control including HPLC purity analysis (>99%), ESI-mass spectrometry for molecular weight confirmation (expected 291.3 Da), endotoxin testing (<0.5 EU/mg), sterility testing, and residual solvent analysis. Each batch is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with complete testing results. The peptide is synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) with Fmoc chemistry, followed by HPLC purification and lyophilization under sterile conditions.