Nonathymulin, also known as Serum Thymic Factor, is a synthetic thymic peptide hormone. It is a thymus-dependent nonapeptide found in normal blood. Stimulates the formation of E rosettes and is believed to be involved in T-cell differentiation. It also acts as an effector on proinflammatory mediators/cytokines.
As a synthetic nonapeptide hormone, nonathymulin exhibits anti-apoptotic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. In vivo, FTS increases activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and decreases activation of ERK, inhibiting cephaloridine-induced kidney damage and dysfunction.
The thymus produces a nonapeptide capable of inducing T cell surface markers and T cell functions in immature lymphoid cells. This peptide is found partly bound to a carrier protein in the circulation from where it has been isolated (hence its name of serum thymic factor (nonathymulin, FTS)). Immunofluorescence studies using an antibody raised against synthetic FTS has shown that it is produced by the thymic epithelium. Its mode of action at the cellular level involves the binding to specific high affinity receptors.
