Thymus Peptide Bioregulator / Cytomedine / Khavinson Dipeptide
Vilon Research Compound — KE Thymus Dipeptide Bioregulator
Vilon (KE, Lys-Glu) is a synthetic dipeptide bioregulator from the Khavinson short-peptide research program, classified as the thymus-derived cytomedine. At just two amino acids, it is one of the smallest active bioregulators in the Khavinson series. Vilon is used in research into thymus biology, T-cell immunity, immune senescence, and the regulation of immune function during aging.
Compound identity
- Name
- Vilon
- Class
- Thymus Peptide Bioregulator / Cytomedine / Khavinson Dipeptide
- CAS number
- 37753-07-8
- Molecular formula
- C₁₁H₂₁N₃O₅
- Also known as
- KE peptide, Lys-Glu, Vilon bioregulator, cytomedine KE
- Sequence
- Lys-Glu (2 residues; H₂N-Lys-Glu-OH; dipeptide; MW 275.31 Da)
Research context
Vilon (CAS 37753-07-8, MW 275.31 Da, C₁₁H₂₁N₃O₅) is the dipeptide Lys-Glu (KE in single-letter code) — the thymus-derived cytomedine in the Khavinson short peptide bioregulator series. It represents the minimal active fragment derived from thymic peptide extract fractionation. The thymus — a primary lymphoid organ responsible for T-cell maturation and central tolerance — undergoes progressive involution with aging (thymic atrophy beginning in early adulthood), making thymic peptide bioregulators a focus of immunosenescence research. The Khavinson model proposes that Vilon's two-residue KE sequence retains tissue-selective regulatory activity despite its minimal length, influencing gene expression in immune cells of thymic origin.
Research on Vilon spans immunology and aging biology. In T-cell biology, the KE dipeptide has been studied for effects on T-lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, and functional markers in cell culture and animal models (Khavinson lab publications, 1990s–2020s). In immune senescence models, Vilon has been examined alongside other Khavinson peptides (particularly Thymalin, a thymic extract complex) for effects on immune function markers in aged animals, including NK cell activity and cytokine production. The Khavinson epigenetic model — in which short peptides including KE interact directly with gene promoter sequences in a sequence-specific manner to modulate transcription — has been proposed as a mechanistic framework. This model suggests that even 2-residue peptides can act as gene expression regulators by fitting into the major groove of DNA at specific sites corresponding to the peptide's tissue of origin.
As a research reagent, Vilon (KE) is used in studies of thymus biology, T-cell immunology, immunosenescence, aging and immunity models, and short peptide epigenetic mechanisms. DMV Research supplies Vilon as a lyophilized compound with per-batch Certificate of Analysis confirming identity by mass spectrometry and purity ≥99% by HPLC.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vilon?+
Vilon (CAS 37753-07-8, KE) is a synthetic dipeptide Lys-Glu from the Khavinson short peptide bioregulator research program. It is the thymus-derived cytomedine — a 2-amino acid sequence (MW 275.31 Da) used in research on T-cell immunity, thymus biology, immune senescence, and aging. Supplied by DMV Research for in-vitro and pre-clinical laboratory research use only.
What is the difference between Vilon (KE) and Thymalin?+
Vilon (Lys-Glu, KE) is a synthetic dipeptide — a single well-defined molecule with CAS 37753-07-8. Thymalin is a biological preparation derived from calf thymus extract containing a complex mixture of peptides and is not a single defined compound. The Khavinson research program studied both Thymalin (the complex extract) and Vilon (the synthetic minimal-sequence dipeptide) as complementary approaches to thymic peptide bioregulation. Vilon was derived as a minimal active unit from the thymic extract fraction.
How does Vilon relate to other thymic peptides like Thymosin Alpha-1?+
Vilon (KE dipeptide, 2 aa) and Thymosin Alpha-1 (28-aa acidic polypeptide from thymosin fraction 5) are both thymus-associated research peptides but are structurally and mechanistically distinct. Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1, CAS 62304-98-7) is a 28-residue peptide that acts on toll-like receptor pathways and has been studied in multiple clinical research contexts as an immune modulator. Vilon is a 2-residue Khavinson dipeptide bioregulator from a different research tradition. They serve as distinct research tools for different questions about thymic and immune biology.
Is Vilon approved for human use?+
No. As supplied by DMV Research, Vilon (KE) is a research compound for in-vitro and pre-clinical laboratory research use only — not for human consumption. Not for human consumption.
Research use only
All products are intended for laboratory and research use only (RUO) and are not for human consumption, ingestion, or any in-vivo use.
The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Vilon is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is provided for laboratory research reference only.