Longevity & Immune Peptides: A Research Overview

Longevity & Immune Peptides: A Research Overview

Introduction

Longevity and immune-modulating peptides represent one of the most rapidly expanding areas of biogerontology and immunology research. These compounds act on a range of targets including telomerase activation, mitochondrial function, thymic regeneration, and innate immune regulation to modulate ageing processes and immune competence in preclinical models.

For research and laboratory use only. Not intended for human or veterinary administration.

Key Research Compounds

Epithalon (Epitalon)

A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal gland peptide epithalamin. Epithalon is one of the most studied longevity peptides, with research demonstrating its ability to activate telomerase, elongate telomeres in somatic cells, and regulate melatonin production. Preclinical studies have reported extended lifespan in rodent models and antioxidant effects in various tissues.

Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1)

A 28-amino acid peptide naturally secreted by the thymus gland. Thymosin Alpha-1 is a potent immunomodulator that has been studied for its ability to enhance T-cell maturation, augment NK cell activity, and upregulate MHC class I expression. Research applications include models of immunodeficiency, viral infection, and cancer immunotherapy.

Thymalin

A polypeptide extract from the thymus gland studied for immunomodulatory and geroprotective properties. Research has investigated its role in restoring thymic function in aged subjects and modulating T-cell populations.

MOTS-c

A mitochondria-derived peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. MOTS-c has been studied for its role in regulating metabolic homeostasis, insulin sensitivity, and exercise capacity. Research suggests it acts as a mitochondrial signal that communicates with the nucleus to regulate gene expression in response to metabolic stress.

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

A mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane. SS-31 has been studied for its ability to stabilise cardiolipin, reduce mitochondrial ROS production, and improve ATP synthesis. Research applications include models of heart failure, renal ischaemia, and age-related mitochondrial dysfunction.

Humanin

A 21-amino acid peptide encoded within the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Humanin has been studied for cytoprotective effects against Alzheimer’s disease-related neuronal death, insulin sensitisation, and cardioprotection. Circulating Humanin levels have been observed to decline with age in preclinical models.

KPV

A tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) derived from the C-terminal of α-MSH. KPV has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties in models of inflammatory bowel disease, skin inflammation, and infection, acting through melanocortin receptors to downregulate NF-κB signalling.

LL-37

The only known human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide. LL-37 has been studied for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, immunomodulatory properties, and role in wound healing. Research has also explored its involvement in autoimmune conditions and cancer biology.

Cardiogen

A tetrapeptide studied for cardioprotective and geroprotective properties, particularly in models of age-related cardiac dysfunction and oxidative stress in cardiac tissue.

Research Applications

  • Telomere biology and cellular ageing models
  • Immunodeficiency and thymic regeneration research
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetics models
  • Neurodegeneration and cytoprotection research
  • Inflammatory bowel disease and skin inflammation models
  • Antimicrobial and innate immunity research

Storage and Handling

Store lyophilised longevity and immune peptides at −20°C. For long-term archival of sensitive peptides such as Epithalon and MOTS-c, −80°C is preferred. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water. Once reconstituted, store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days.

All products supplied by Vanta Labs are intended strictly for laboratory and research purposes.