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

Gabriel Sosne¹, Ping Qiu¹, Michelle Kurpakus-Wheater²

¹Department of Ophthalmology, Kresge Eye Institute, Detroit, MI, USA; ²Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, Detroit, MI, USA

Abstract: Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ₄) is a low molecular weight protein present in all cells except erythrocytes. Although Tβ₄ 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, Tβ₄ 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 Tβ₄ in maintaining the healthy, functional cornea. The clinical implications of the use of Tβ₄ as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent are discussed.

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