What is Vilon?
Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide bioregulator with the sequence Lys-Glu (KE), also known as lysylglutamic acid. It is the shortest member of the Khavinson family and was developed as a defined analogue of active fragments identified in thymic peptide extracts. Vilon has one of the largest published records among the bioregulators, spanning immunology, gerontology and cell-culture work.
With a molecular weight of just 275 g/mol, Vilon (CAS 45234-02-4) is a useful model compound for studying how minimal peptides interact with cells. GenoPept supplies Vilon UK-wide as a 20mg lyophilised vial for in-vitro research. Our guide to peptide bioregulators explains how Vilon fits within the Khavinson series.
Vilon research applications
Research on this peptide is confined to preclinical settings, chiefly cell culture and rodent models, with a focus on thymus and immune system. The areas below summarise where the published literature has investigated the KE sequence.
Immune cell and thymocyte culture
Vilon has been investigated in cultured lymphocytes and thymic cells, with reported endpoints including proliferation, expression of activation markers and cytokine transcription. It is a standard positive comparator in bioregulator immunology.
Immunosenescence and lifespan models
Published animal work explores whether the Lys-Glu dipeptide influences immune parameters and survival in aged rodents. These are preclinical findings and are not extrapolated to people.
Chromatin and gene-activation assays
Vilon is used in assays of heterochromatin decondensation and ribosomal gene activity in lymphocytes from aged donors, one of the most cited experimental formats in the Khavinson literature.
Gastrointestinal and epithelial models
Some research reports effects of Vilon on intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and on markers of mucosal repair, extending its use beyond immune tissue.
Reference compound in structure-activity work
As the minimal Lys-Glu unit found within Vesugen (KED), Livagen (KEDA) and Testagen (KEDG), Vilon is the baseline against which longer sequences are compared.
Mechanism of action (preclinical)
Vilon is proposed to act through the nuclear gene-regulation model applied to ultra-short peptides. Its small size and zwitterionic character are thought to allow passive entry into cells and the nucleus, where the dipeptide is proposed to bind DNA or histone proteins and modulate chromatin accessibility. Published in-vitro research reports increased transcriptional activity in aged lymphocytes and altered expression of genes tied to proliferation and interleukin signalling. Vilon has also been reported to influence expression of certain cell-surface adhesion molecules. No receptor has been identified for the KE dipeptide.
Vilon product specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Compound | Vilon |
| Also known as | Vilon peptide, KE dipeptide, Lys-Glu, lysylglutamic acid |
| Sequence / class | 2-amino-acid synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu, KE) |
| CAS number | 45234-02-4 |
| Molecular formula | C11H21N3O5 |
| Molecular weight | 275.3 g/mol (calculated from sequence) |
| Form | Lyophilised powder, sealed sterile glass vial, black cap |
| Available sizes | 20mg vial |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC) |
| Verification | HPLC purity and LC-MS identity by independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory (Puralytix), batch COA |
| Storage (unopened) | –20 °C long term; 2–8 °C short term, protect from light |
| Intended use | In-vitro laboratory research only |
Available sizes
- 20mg vial (lyophilised powder)
We currently offer this peptide in one format for UK research customers. Boxes of 10 vials are available at bulk pricing, saving 20–50% compared with single vials; details are on the bulk and wholesale page.
Reconstitution, handling and storage (laboratory)
Because Vilon is an ultra-short dipeptide, it dissolves readily but is sensitive to mechanical stress. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water or a sterile diluent matched to your experiment, directing the solvent down the vial wall and swirling gently. Do not shake or vortex. Our step-by-step guide to reconstituting research peptides covers volumes and technique.
Store sealed vials at –20 °C for long-term stability; 2–8 °C is acceptable for short-term holding, always protected from light. Reconstituted solutions should be refrigerated at 2–8 °C and used within the timeframe your protocol defines; avoid freeze-thaw cycling. Further detail is in our article on storing research peptides. Standard laboratory PPE and waste-disposal practice apply.
Quality assurance and Certificate of Analysis
We do not release a Vilon batch without third-party analytical data. Puralytix, an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory, runs HPLC for purity (minimum 99%) and LC-MS for identity, checking the observed mass against the calculated mass of Lys-Glu. Use the View Certificate of Analysis button above or browse the full COA library; our guide to reading a Certificate of Analysis explains each section.
Related research compounds
- Crystagen 20mg – the immune tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Pro) most often studied with Vilon
- Vesugen 20mg – the vascular tripeptide built on the Lys-Glu core
- Thymalin 10mg – a polypeptide thymic fraction that Vilon was designed to model
- Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) Immune Modulator – a thymic peptide widely used in immune-signalling research
Vilon frequently asked questions
What is Vilon used for in research?
Vilon is used in laboratory research on immune cells, thymic tissue and cellular ageing. Investigators apply the Lys-Glu dipeptide to lymphocyte and thymocyte cultures, chromatin-activation assays and aged animal models to study proliferation, gene expression and cytokine signalling. GenoPept supplies Vilon strictly for in-vitro research.
How is Vilon supplied and what is its purity?
GenoPept Vilon is supplied as 20mg of lyophilised lysylglutamic acid in a sealed, sterile glass vial with a black cap and lot-numbered label. Each batch is verified at 99% or higher purity by HPLC and confirmed by LC-MS at an independent ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory, with a Certificate of Analysis on the product page.
What is the storage guidance for Vilon?
Keep unopened Vilon at minus 20 degrees Celsius for long-term storage, or at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius short term, protected from light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and use within the period stated in your laboratory protocol.
Is Vilon for human use?
No. Vilon is for in-vitro laboratory research only. It is not a medicine, not for human or veterinary use and not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. GenoPept does not supply dosing information and sells only to researchers and organisations conducting legitimate work in the UK.
What is the difference between Vilon and Thymalin?
Vilon is a chemically defined two-residue peptide (Lys-Glu), whereas Thymalin is a polypeptide fraction extracted from thymus tissue containing many components. Vilon was designed to reproduce key activity of such extracts in a single defined molecule, which makes it easier to characterise analytically and to compare across laboratories.
Research use only. This Vilon product is supplied for in-vitro laboratory research and is not a medicine. It is not for human or veterinary use, nor for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Read our research use only statement and research peptides and UK law before ordering.
Research guides: Khavinson Peptide Bioregulators
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