Prepping Your Immune System For The Winter

Happy Tuesday!

I just dropped a brand new episode on Spotify all about one of my favorite immune peptides of all time.

Thymosin Alpha 1 (TA-1).

Every year around this time, people start asking me, “What’s the best way to keep from getting sick?” 

And while there are a hundred biohacks you could try, nothing compares to the immune-boosting power of this simple, time-tested peptide.

TA-1 is one of those rare compounds that I always keep in my house year-round.

It’s a staple for me and for anyone who wants to stay resilient through the stress, travel, and chaos of life.

So today’s email is a breakdown of the episode.

Let’s dive in.

Thymosin Alpha 1

Thymosin Alpha 1 (TA-1) is a 28-amino acid peptide that was first isolated from the thymus gland in the 1960s (the same gland responsible for “training” your T-cells, which are your body’s main defense against infections and cancer).

As we age, the thymus naturally shrinks, which means our immune systems lose some of their precision and power.

Thymosin Alpha 1 helps reverse that decline by reactivating immune cell signaling and allowing T cells to mature and function properly again.

It’s what’s called an immune system modulator, meaning it helps bring your immune system back into balance, whether it’s underactive or overactive.

That’s why it’s been used around the world for everything from viral infections and hepatitis to immune dysfunction, cancer recovery, and even autoimmune disease.

TA-1 is so effective that it’s been approved as a drug in over 35 countries, though it still flies under the radar here in the U.S.

Research and Trials

Thymosin Alpha 1 was given FDA orphan drug status in the U.S. for melanoma and hepatitis B, and international trials have shown powerful outcomes across multiple conditions.

In liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), combining TA-1 with standard treatment extended overall survival by five months and improved response rates by over 20%.

In hepatitis B and C, adding TA-1 to interferon therapy doubled viral clearance rates compared to interferon alone (40% vs. 25%).

In immunocompromised patients, it improved T-cell counts and natural killer cell function and reduced mortality in sepsis and critical illness trials.

It’s even been used as an adjunct to chemotherapy, helping cancer patients tolerate treatment better by restoring immune balance, lowering toxicity, and improving quality of life.

Essentially, TA-1 helps the body heal itself by bringing the immune system back to equilibrium.

Benefits

The beauty of TA-1 is how many different angles it works from.

First, it strengthens the innate immune system by activating toll-like receptors (TLR3, TLR4, and TLR9) that trigger antiviral and antibacterial signaling.

It boosts dendritic cell activity, improves T-cell communication, and ramps up natural killer cell performance, all without overstimulating or burning out your immune system.

Second, it reduces inflammation by balancing the Th1/Th2 immune response and encouraging regulatory T-cell production. This helps calm cytokine storms and prevent the kind of chronic inflammation that drives autoimmune disease and aging.

Third, it has direct anti-tumor and antioxidant effects. Studies show TA-1 can slow tumor cell proliferation, trigger apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells, and upregulate antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase, creating an internal environment less favorable to disease.

And finally, it increases glutathione levels, helping detoxify and enhance cellular resilience.

TA-1 helps your body remember how to defend itself.

How to Dose

Dosing depends on whether you’re using it for general immune support or for acute illness.

For maintenance and immune balance, I recommend 1.5 mg subcutaneously twice per week. That’s the sweet spot most studies used for long-term immune modulation, and it’s what I personally use year-round, especially during flu season or before traveling.

If you’re using it for acute illness (like a viral infection, respiratory bug, or flu), you can increase to 1.5 mg once or twice daily for a few days, then taper down.

In oncology settings, the typical range used alongside chemotherapy is 1.5 to 3.2 mg twice weekly, though that should always be under medical supervision.

TA-1 has an excellent safety profile.

Side effects are minimal (it may sting slightly upon injection, though).

Because it’s an endogenous peptide, it integrates naturally with your biology.

Who Should Consider Using It

So who’s a good candidate for Thymosin Alpha 1?

Honestly, almost everyone can benefit from it in some capacity. But there are specific groups who see the biggest improvements:

• Anyone with a weakened immune system — people who catch every cold or flu that comes around.

• Frequent travelers or anyone exposed to high stress and poor sleep (both of which tank immune function).

• Those recovering from illness or surgery — TA-1 accelerates immune recovery and tissue repair.

• People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions — since it helps balance immune overactivity without suppressing it.

• Aging adults — whose thymus gland and T-cell function naturally decline with age.

• And finally, biohackers and longevity enthusiasts who want a long-term tool for resilience and prevention.

If you’re the kind of person who prefers to strengthen your defenses rather than just treat symptoms after the fact, TA-1 is one of the best options in the entire peptide world.

Final Thoughts

Thymosin Alpha 1 definitely isn’t the “flashiest” peptide.

It doesn’t give you a pump in the gym, it doesn’t burn fat like crazy, and it doesn’t give you instant results overnight.

But in terms of impact on healthspan, immune resilience, and longevity, it’s in my top ten of all time.

This is the peptide that lets your body remember how to heal itself. 

Whether you use it preventively, during sickness, or in cycles throughout the year, TA-1 should be a staple in your pantry year round!

Best,

Hunter Williams

Further Reading

1. Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literature

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2. A randomized controlled trial of thymalfasin plus transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)

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3. Thymosin alpha-1 activates the TLR9 / MyD88 / IRF7 dependent pathway in dendritic cells 

   Link

4. Thymosin alpha-1 therapy improves postoperative survival after hepatectomy in HBV-related HCC patients 

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5. The use of alpha 1 thymosin as an immunomodulator of dendritic cells 

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6. The efficacy and safety of thymosin α1 combined with lenvatinib plus sintilimab in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

   Link