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. 2007 Sep;1(3):201-7.

Thymosin beta 4: A novel corneal wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent

Gabriel Sosne  1 , Ping Qiu, Michelle Kurpakus-Wheater
Affiliations
Free PMC article

Thymosin beta 4: A novel corneal wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent

Gabriel Sosne et al. Clin Ophthalmol. 2007 Sep.
Free PMC article

Abstract

Thymosin beta 4 (Tbeta(4)) is a low molecular weight protein present in all cells except erythrocytes. Although Tbeta(4) is the major monomeric actin-sequestering peptide in cells and can depolymerize F-actin, evidence is mounting to support the idea that it has multiple, seemingly diverse, cellular functions. In cornea, as in other tissues, Tbeta(4) promotes cell migration and wound healing, has anti-inflammatory properties, and suppresses apoptosis. In this review we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of Tbeta(4) in maintaining the healthy, functional cornea. The clinical implications of the use of Tbeta(4) as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent are discussed.

Keywords: apoptosis; cell migration; cornea; inflammation; thymosin beta 4; wound healing.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Tβ4 promotes corneal wound healing. By modulating the corneal inflammatory response and promoting re-epithelialization in response to injury, Tβ4 may be a new a therapeutic option for ophthalmologists treating corneal inflammatory and wound healing disorders.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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