Studies have demonstrated the potential of Crystagen and other short peptides in improving immune function, protecting against age-related changes, and enhancing overall health. These peptides have shown immunomodulatory effects, such as normalizing the immunogram, increasing T-cell activity, preserving thymic integrity, and stimulating immune cell proliferation. Additionally, Crystagen has exhibited potential antitumor activity and has been associated with reduced incidence of respiratory viral infections in athletes. These findings highlight the promising role of these peptides in promoting immune health and well-being.   

Exploring the Immunomodulatory Effects of Peptides in Aging [1]

The effectiveness of administration of crystagen, a short peptide, was evaluated in elderly and senile individuals with impaired immunity. When used in combination with standard treatment, crystagen normalized the immunogram (immune profile) in 82% of patients, compared to 56% in the control group receiving standard treatment alone. Crystagen had a more significant impact on the T-cell element of immunity, increasing the number of CD3+ and CD4+ cells and normalizing the CD4+/CD8+ ratio. Its effect on B lymphocytes was less pronounced. Additionally, all patients taking crystagen experienced a reduction in the severity of asthenic syndrome associated with secondary immunodeficiencies.

Crystagen also demonstrated an immunogeroprotective effect on thymic cells in an accelerated aging model using rats exposed to gamma irradiation. The peptide preserved the cortex-medulla division in the thymus, which is typically lost with aging, and increased the number of macrophages and mast cells. Furthermore, crystagen stimulated thymocyte proliferation, as indicated by increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA).

Another peptide, EDP, showed stimulatory effects on peritoneal macrophages’ cytokine secretion (IL-1, IL-6, TNFα) in both young and old mice. It also promoted proliferation in human thymic epithelial cells and inhibited the proliferation of human erythromyelosis tumor K-562 cells. This indicates potential antitumor activity and stimulation of normal human immune cells.

When administered orally, crystagen, along with other short peptides, increased stress resistance and normalized immunity in athletes. It doubled the expression of the HSP gene HSPA1A and normalized IL-6 expression. Moreover, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections decreased in athletes following peptide bioregulator administration.

These findings demonstrate the potential of crystagen and other short peptides in improving immune function, protecting against age-related changes, and enhancing overall health.

The immunomodulating activity of short peptides, including vilon, thymogen, crystagen, and R-1, in the spleen was investigated in the context of aging. The peptides were found to possess different immunoprotecting properties in the spleen. Vilon and R-1 peptides activated T-helper cells, with vilon inhibiting cellular apoptosis and R-1 stimulating cellular proliferation and differentiation. Thymogen activated B-lymphocytes and promoted spleen cell proliferation. Crystagen also activated the B-cell immune system but did not affect cellular renewal processes in the spleen during aging.

1. Сhervyakova NA, Linkova NS, Chalisova NI, Koncevaya EA, Trofimova SV, Khavinson VK. [Molecular aspects of immunoprotective activity of peptides in spleen during the ageing process]. Adv Gerontol. 2014;27(1):224-228. Russian. PMID: 28976144.

2. Khavinson, V.K., Linkova, N.S., Chalisova, N.I. et al. The Use of Thymalin for Immunocorrection and Molecular Aspects of Biological Activity. Biol Bull Rev 11, 377–382 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1134/S2079086421040046