Crystagen
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Synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Pro) bioregulator proposed to support thymic immune function via T-cell differentiation and immunoprotective gene regulation.
Methodological Note: >95% of published research on this peptide originates from the Khavinson bioregulation group (Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg). Independent replication by Western laboratories is lacking. All evidence should be interpreted with this single-group limitation in mind.
Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | EDP tripeptide, Glu-Asp-Pro |
| Category | Immune / Khavinson Bioregulator |
| Sequence | Glu-Asp-Pro (EDP, 3 amino acids) |
| Molecular Weight | ~359 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C14H21N3O8 |
| PubChem CID | N/A — research peptide |
| Administration | SubQ |
| Typical Dose Range | 10-20 mcg/day (from Khavinson protocols) |
| Half-Life | Very short (minutes; typical of tripeptides) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20C long-term; 2-8C short-term. Reconstituted: 2-8C for 2-4 weeks |
| FDA Status | NOT FDA-approved. Approved in Russia as bioregulator; no Western regulatory approval |
| WADA Status | Prohibited under S0 (non-approved substances) |
Mechanism of Action
Crystagen (Glu-Asp-Pro) is a synthetic tripeptide developed by the Khavinson group, identified as a biologically active component within Thymalin, a thymic extract preparation. It is proposed to regulate gene expression in immune cells, specifically supporting thymic function and T-cell differentiation.
Studies on splenic immune function during aging demonstrated that Crystagen possesses immunoprotective effects, with a preferential impact on the T-cell element of immunity (PMID: 28976144). Specifically, Crystagen increased the number of CD3+ and CD4+ cells and normalized the CD4+/CD8+ ratio, while having a less pronounced effect on B lymphocytes. However, the peptide did not cause significant cell renewal in aged spleen tissue, suggesting it modulates existing immune cell function rather than generating new cells.
The immunogeroprotective effect of Crystagen has been examined in irradiated rats, where it helped preserve thymic cortex-medulla architecture (a structure whose loss is a hallmark of thymic aging) and increased numbers of macrophages, mast cells, and proliferating thymocytes.
In clinical reports from Russian literature (not indexed as controlled trials), Crystagen decreased the severity of asthenic syndrome associated with secondary immunodeficiencies. Oral Crystagen in combination with other short peptides reportedly increased stress resistance and normalized immunity in athletes.
Key Research Areas
- T-cell immunity — Preferential effects on CD3+, CD4+ populations and CD4+/CD8+ ratio
- Thymic preservation — Maintenance of thymic architecture during aging and irradiation
- Immunosenescence — Proposed intervention for age-related immune decline
- Immunodeficiency — Reported clinical benefits in secondary immunodeficiency (Russian literature)
Evidence Level Summary
| Evidence Type | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Human RCTs | 0 | No randomized controlled trials |
| Human observational | 0 | Russian clinical reports only (not PubMed-indexed as trials) |
| Animal in vivo | 1 | Spleen immunoprotection during aging |
| In vitro | 1 | THP-1 cell study |
| Systematic reviews | 1 | Khavinson self-review (2021) |
Clinical Applications
- Immune Support — Proposed T-cell and thymic support (no Western clinical evidence)
- Anti-Aging — Proposed immunosenescence intervention (preclinical only)
Protocols Using This Peptide
- No established clinical protocols. Used in Khavinson bioregulation research protocols only.
Ageless Peps Products
- APWS-Crystagen-Vial — Crystagen Vial, wholesale only
Dosing Reference
Research Dosing Ranges (from literature)
| Route | Dose Range | Frequency | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SubQ | 10-20 mcg | Daily | 10-20 days | Khavinson protocols |
Cycling
Khavinson protocols typically recommend 10-20 day treatment courses with 1-3 month intervals. No independent validation exists.
Contraindications & Safety
- Contraindications: Unknown — no systematic safety studies. Caution in autoimmune conditions (T-cell activation could theoretically worsen autoimmunity)
- Common side effects: Unknown — no human clinical data from controlled trials
- Drug interactions: Theoretical interaction with immunosuppressants (unconfirmed)
- Pregnancy/nursing: Contraindicated (no safety data)
- Special populations: No data available
Synergistic Combinations
Per Khavinson protocols (unvalidated):
- Vilon + Crystagen — Combined thymic immune support (dipeptide + tripeptide)
- Epitalon + Crystagen — Anti-aging + immune restoration
Related Research
| PMID | Title | Year | Study Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28976144 | Immunoprotective Activity of Peptides in Spleen During Aging | 2017 | Animal in vivo / In vitro |
| 34834147 | Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review | 2021 | Systematic Review |
| 35408963 | Peptides Regulating Proliferative Activity in THP-1 Cell Line | 2022 | In vitro |
References
- PMID 28976144 — Immunoprotective activity in spleen aging
- PMID 34834147 — Systematic review of peptide gene regulation
- PMID 35408963 — THP-1 cell line study
Related
#peptide #immune #khavinson-bioregulator #subq