Vilon (KE)
Synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu) thymic bioregulator studied for immune modulation, IL-2 gene upregulation, chromatin remodeling in aged cells, and lifespan extension in animal models.
⚡ Executive Summary
Vilon (KE: Lys-Glu) is a synthetic dipeptide from the thymic peptide bioregulator family studied for immune modulation and cellular “rejuvenation” effects. In vitro and animal studies report IL-2 gene upregulation, chromatin decondensation in aged lymphocytes, lifespan extension in mice, and GI enzyme restoration in aged rats. Research use only — not FDA approved.
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Overview
🛡️ What is Vilon?
Vilon is an ultra-short dipeptide (Lys-Glu) that appears to “retune” immune and gene-expression programs rather than forcing large, drug-like effects.
It belongs to the thymic peptide bioregulator family studied for immunomodulatory and geroprotective properties.
🎯 Key Actions
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🧬
IL-2 upregulation — T-cell activation
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🔓
Chromatin decondensation — aged cells
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⏳
Lifespan extension — mouse models
Key takeaway: Vilon = immune/epigenetic tuning (IL-2 + chromatin). This distinguishes it from Epitalon (telomerase/circadian) and Thymogen/Thymalin (broader thymic immune support).
Research only: Vilon is NOT an FDA-approved therapy. Human-scale trials are limited. Handle as a research compound only.
Entity Properties
| Aliases | Vilon, KE, L-Lys-L-Glu, lysylglutamic acid |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Lys-Glu (K-E) |
| Length | 2 amino acids (dipeptide) |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₁H₂₁N₃O₅ |
| Molecular Weight | ~275.3 Da |
| CAS Number | 45234-02-4 (dipeptide) |
| PubChem CID | 7010502 |
| Family | Thymic peptide bioregulator (immunomodulatory) |
| Diluent(s) | Sterile saline or bacteriostatic water |
| Concentration | 20 mg + 2 mL = 10 mg/mL (example) |
| Storage (dry) | ≤ −20°C, protected from light; stable long-term |
| Storage (solution) | 2–8°C short-term; avoid freeze-thaw |
CAS note: Distinguish dipeptide Vilon (CAS 45234-02-4) from the amino-acid salt L-lysine·L-glutamate (CAS 5408-52-6). These are different compounds.
Mechanism of Action
🧠 How does Vilon work?
Vilon acts via two converging mechanisms: (1) IL-2 gene upregulation in lymphocytes — enhancing T-cell activation and expansion, and (2) chromatin decondensation in aged cells — re-opening access to silenced genes.
This “retuning” of immune and gene-expression programs is concentration- and time-dependent, favoring homeostasis rather than forcing large drug-like effects.
🔄 Two-Phase Action Model
Vilon’s actions fit a two-phase model that helps explain why short cycles produce durable, system-level changes even after dosing stops:
Fast Transcriptional Nudges
IL-2 mRNA rise, T-cell activation signals
Slower Chromatin Remodeling
Re-opens access to growth/repair gene programs
🧬 IL-2 Upregulation
Increases IL-2 mRNA in splenic lymphocytes → enhanced T-cell proliferation and function
🔓 Chromatin Opening
Deheterochromatinization in aged cells → more transcriptionally active euchromatin
📈 rRNA Activation
Reactivates nucleolar organizer regions → ribosomal RNA synthesis and protein production
Research Outcomes
🔬 Key Preclinical Findings
Immunomodulation
IL-2 gene upregulation in lymphocytes — direct mechanism for T-cell activation. Modulates macrophage proliferative activity.
Epigenetic Rejuvenation
Chromatin decondensation in elderly donors’ lymphocytes. Reactivates ribosomal genes, increases NOR activity.
Longevity Signals (Mice)
Female CBA mice: extended lifespan, increased endurance, reduced spontaneous tumors, no adverse effects.
GI/Metabolic Support
Aged rats: increased brush-border enzymes (maltase, invertase, ALP), improved glucose/glycine transport.
Age-dependent effects: Vilon’s effects are especially pronounced in older models/subjects, effectively narrowing age-related gaps in immune function, chromatin state, and digestive capacity.
Evidence grade: All data is preclinical (cell cultures, animal models). Human longevity/clinical data are not available. Findings are promising but require human trials for validation.
Research Handling
Research use only. Handling details are provided for laboratory contexts. Vilon is not an FDA-approved therapy — do not construe as directions for clinical use.
Plan Concentration
20 mg vial + 2 mL diluent = 10 mg/mL. Makes downstream aliquoting simple.
Reconstitute Sterile
Use sterile saline or bac water. Direct down vial wall; swirl don’t shake. Let fully dissolve.
Aliquot
Split into micro-aliquots sized to single day/experiment. Minimizes freeze-thaw cycles.
Store Properly
Lyophilized: ≤ −20°C long-term. Solutions: 2–8°C short-term. Use promptly.
Document Everything
Label each aliquot: peptide, lot, concentration, date. Record storage conditions.
Pre-register Endpoints
Define primary readouts: IL-2 mRNA, chromatin marks, AgNOR counts, enzyme activity.
Comparison
Choose Vilon for immune tuning + age-linked gene-expression support; Epitalon for telomerase/circadian endpoints; Thymogen/Thymalin for broader thymic immune normalization.
Vilon
IL-2 gene upregulation. Chromatin decondensation in aged lymphocytes. Lifespan extension in mice. GI enzyme restoration in aged rats.
Epitalon
Telomerase activation. Telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Circadian/neuroendocrine support. Pineal bioregulator.
Thymogen
Immunocorrector. Clinical use in some countries. Vaccine response support. Geroprotective signals in rodents.
Thymalin
Polypeptide drug. Broad immune normalization. Used clinically in select countries. COVID-19 immunocorrection studies.
FAQ
Bottom line: Vilon (Lys-Glu) is a compact dipeptide with outsized potential in immune and epigenetic research, showing IL-2 upregulation, chromatin remodeling, lifespan extension, and GI enzyme restoration in aged models. Its two-phase action (fast transcriptional nudges → slower chromatin remodeling) helps explain durable effects from short cycles. Research use only.