Immunoregulation of thymosin alpha 1 treatment of cytomegalovirus infection accompanied with acute respiratory distress syndrome after renal transplantation

We are the first to report the use of thymosin alpha 1 to treat cytomegalovirus infection accompanied with acute respiratory distress syndrome after renal transplantation. The patients were divided into the thymosin alpha 1 group (Zadaxin group, n = 32) and the control group (n = 14). All patients received the same rescue therapy protocol. Suitable antiviral (ganciclovir, 5 mg/kg every 12 hours, intravenously), antibacterial, or antifungal treatment was given if needed. In addition, patients in the Zadaxin group received thymosin alpha 1, (1.6 mg) subcutaneously every other day or every day. The rescue success rate was significantly higher in the Zadaxin than in the control group (78.1% vs 50.0%) while the death rate was greatly reduced (21.9% vs 50%). In the Zadaxin group, the CD4(+) lymphocyte level was significantly increased on day 14; so was the ratio of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocyte subsets. In the survival group, CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocyte cell counts were significantly increased on days 7, 14, and 21 compared with admission. This study suggested that thymosin alpha 1 significantly promoted CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes, repairing cellular immunity and successfully reinforcing resistance to cytomegalovirus disease.