Crystagen

Crystagen is a short peptide that helps the body's immune system work better, especially as we age. It may support T-cell activity, protect the thymus, and help the body resist infections and inflammation. Crystagen (Glu-Asp-Pro) is a short, synthetic peptide studied for its immunomodulatory and regenerative properties. It influences the thymus and spleen, stimulates immune cell activity, and counters age-related immune deterioration. Research links Crystagen to preservation of thymic architecture, increased macrophage and mast cell presence, and reduced infections in older individuals and athletes.

- Strengthen immune resilience and T-cell activity

- Promote thymic health and protection against immune decline

Mechanism of Action

How this peptide works in the body

DNA Binding and Epigenetic Regulation

Crystagen's tripeptide structure (EDP) allows it to enter the nuclei of T-cells and dendritic cells, where it binds to immunoregulatory gene promoter regions. This interaction induces histone acetylation and suppresses promoter methylation, increasing the transcription of genes involved in T-cell maturation, IL-2 signaling, and antigen presentation.

Transcription Factor Modulation

Crystagen inhibits activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP-1 while enhancing the activity of FOXO1 and IRF4, key regulators of lymphocyte homeostasis and immune resolution. This modulation helps downregulate chronic inflammatory cytokine expression and supports T-cell regulatory function.

Cytokine and Inflammatory Pathway Reprogramming

Crystagen reduces systemic inflammation by downregulating TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, while upregulating IL-10 and TGF-β in immune regulatory cells. This shift in cytokine balance reorients immune response away from hyperactivation and toward controlled, tolerogenic immunity.

Extracellular Matrix and MMP Regulation

Crystagen supports lymphoid tissue integrity by modulating matrix metalloproteinases (notably MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). This action stabilizes the extracellular matrix in lymph nodes and the thymus, facilitating proper cell migration and signaling within immune niches.

Cellular Senescence and Anti-Aging Mechanisms

Crystagen decreases expression of senescence markers (p16^INK4a and p21^CIP1) in aged immune cells and increases expression of SIRT1 and SIRT6. These sirtuins enhance telomere maintenance, chromatin compaction, and genomic repair, leading to restored proliferative and functional capacity of aged immune cells.

Mitochondrial Function and Oxidative Stress Response

Through activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α axis, Crystagen promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and elevates antioxidant defenses (SOD2, GPx, catalase). This restores ATP generation and reduces ROS accumulation in immune cells, enhancing energy metabolism and cellular defense mechanisms under stress.