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Vilon

Also known as: Lys-Glu, KE, Thymic Dipeptide, Immune Bioregulator

Vilon (KE) is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu) from the Khavinson bioregulator program; the shortest of the bioregulatory peptides. It targets thymic and immune tissue, researched for immune system restoration, T-cell maturation support, and immunosenescence reversal in aging.

Last updated: February 1, 2025Reviewed by: PeptideHub Research Team

Vilon is a 275.30 Da research peptide. Vilon (KE) is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys-Glu) from the Khavinson bioregulator program; the shortest of the bioregulatory peptides. It targets thymic and immune tissue, researched for immune system restoration, T-cell maturation support, and immunosenescence reversal in aging.

Also called: Lys-Glu, KE, Thymic Dipeptide

275.30

Molecular Weight

Daltons

0

Strong Evidence

benefits

5

Studies Cited

peer-reviewed

5000-10000

Typical Dose

mcg

Overview

Vilon is the simplest of the Khavinson bioregulatory peptides, a dipeptide consisting of only two amino acids: Lysine-Glutamic acid (KE). Despite its minimal size, Vilon has demonstrated biological activity in immune tissue, particularly the thymus gland and T-cell compartment. Developed by Professor Khavinson as a synthetic analog of thymic peptide bioregulators, Vilon represents the minimal active sequence for immune tissue regulation in the bioregulator framework. The Khavinson group's research shows Vilon stimulates T-cell differentiation and maturation, enhances thymic function in aging, and modulates immune gene expression. In cell culture studies, Vilon has been shown to promote thymocyte differentiation and increase the expression of CD3, CD4, and CD8 markers on T-cell precursors. Animal studies report improved immune parameters including T-cell counts and immune response to challenge. Vilon is notable for demonstrating that even minimal peptide sequences (dipeptides) can have tissue-specific bioregulatory activity, a key tenet of Khavinson's bioregulation theory. It is available in Russia as oral capsules and is used in combination with Epitalon and other bioregulators for thorough anti-aging immune support protocols.

Key Takeaways: Vilon

  • Research doses typically range from 5000 to 10000 mcg via oral capsule
  • 0 benefits with strong evidence, 2 moderate, 3 preliminary
  • Half-life: Minutes (extremely rapid for a dipeptide)
  • 5 cited research studies in this guide

Mechanism of Action

Vilon is proposed to interact with DNA sequences in thymic epithelial cells and T-cell precursors, modulating genes involved in T-cell maturation and immune regulation. Research shows the KE dipeptide promotes the differentiation of thymocytes (T-cell precursors) by upregulating genes encoding T-cell receptor components, co-stimulatory molecules (CD28), and differentiation markers (CD3, CD4, CD8). In aging thymic tissue, Vilon has been shown to counteract age-related thymic involution by stimulating thymic epithelial cell function and IL-7 expression, which is critical for T-cell development. The peptide also modulates the expression of interferon genes and immune regulatory cytokines in peripheral immune cells. Khavinson's group has demonstrated that KE dipeptide binds to specific double-stranded DNA sequences in vitro, consistent with the bioregulation theory of direct peptide-DNA interaction. Despite being only 2 amino acids, Vilon's specific charge distribution and conformation are proposed to enable sequence-specific DNA recognition in immune tissue gene promoters.

Research Benefits

Vilon at a Glance

Primary mechanism:

Vilon is proposed to interact with DNA sequences in thymic epithelial cells and T-cell precursors, modulating genes involved in T-cell maturation and immune regulation.

Top researched benefits:
T-Cell Maturation EnhancementThymic Function RestorationImmunosenescence ReversalInterferon Gene ModulationMinimal Effective Bioregulator

T-Cell Maturation Enhancement

Moderate Evidence

Cell culture studies show Vilon promotes thymocyte differentiation and increases expression of T-cell markers (CD3, CD4, CD8), supporting T-cell compartment restoration.

Minimal Effective Bioregulator

Moderate Evidence

Demonstrates that even dipeptides (2 amino acids) can have tissue-specific biological activity — the simplest known bioregulatory peptide.

Thymic Function Restoration

Preliminary

Research shows counteraction of age-related thymic involution, with stimulation of thymic epithelial cell function and IL-7 expression.

Immunosenescence Reversal

Preliminary

Animal studies demonstrate improved T-cell counts, immune responsiveness, and resistance to infection in aged organisms treated with Vilon.

Interferon Gene Modulation

Preliminary

Research shows Vilon modulates interferon and immune cytokine gene expression, enhancing antiviral and immunoregulatory capacity.

Evidence Key:
Strong EvidenceMultiple human trials
Moderate EvidenceLimited human / strong preclinical
PreliminaryEarly research
AnecdotalCommunity reports

Research Dosing Protocols

Research Purposes Only: All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

Research ProtocolDose RangeRoute
Oral capsule protocol500010000 mcgOral capsule
Subcutaneous protocol500010000 mcgSubcutaneous injection
Intranasal protocol200500 mcgIntranasal spray

Frequency

Once or twice daily during treatment courses

Timing

No specific timing requirements

Cycle Length

10-30 day courses, repeated 2-3 times per year

Research Notes

  • 1Smallest Khavinson bioregulator, only 2 amino acids.
  • 2Available in Russia as oral supplement capsules.
  • 3May have oral bioavailability due to very small size (proposed to survive GI transit).
  • 4Frequently combined with Epitalon for immune + telomerase anti-aging protocols.
  • 5No serious adverse effects reported.

Reconstitution Guide

Standard Reconstitution

Vial Size

10 mg

Bacteriostatic Water

2 mL

Concentration

50 mcg

per 0.1 mL (10 units)

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Gather Materials

Vilon vial, bacteriostatic water, alcohol swabs, insulin syringes.

2

Equilibrate Temperature

Remove the vial from storage and allow it to reach room temperature (5-10 minutes).

3

Sanitize

Swab the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and bacteriostatic water vial with alcohol.

4

Draw Water

Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a syringe.

5

Add Water to Vial

Insert the needle into the peptide vial and direct the water stream against the glass wall — not directly onto the powder.

6

Mix Gently

Swirl the vial gently until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake. The solution should be clear and colorless.

7

Store Properly

Refrigerate at Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution. Up to 30 days refrigerated.

Storage Temperature

Refrigerated (2-8°C) after reconstitution

Shelf Life

Up to 30 days refrigerated

Important Notes

  • Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water.
  • Extremely small and stable dipeptide.
  • Most commonly used in oral capsule form.

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

  • !Injection site reactions (mild)
  • !No significant adverse effects reported
  • !Very well tolerated; consistent with the minimal molecular structure
  • !No immunosuppression or immune overstimulation reported

Potential Interactions

  • Compatible with other Khavinson bioregulators.
  • Theoretical additive effects with Thymosin Alpha-1 (both target immune/thymic function).
  • No adverse interactions with immunosuppressants reported (but caution is warranted).
  • May complement vaccination in elderly (similar rationale to Thymosin Alpha-1).

Important: Side effects and interactions listed here are compiled from published research and community reports. This is not a complete list. No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted for most research peptides. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Research Studies

The following studies are referenced in this profile. PubMed IDs are provided where available for independent verification.

Dipeptide KE promotes T-cell differentiation in culture

Khavinson VKh, et al.2002Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine
PMID: 12447472

Demonstrated Vilon promotes thymocyte differentiation in cell culture, with increased CD3, CD4, and CD8 expression on T-cell precursors.

Short peptides KE and AEDG interact with DNA

Khavinson VKh, et al.2005Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine

Showed KE dipeptide binds specific double-stranded DNA sequences in vitro, supporting the bioregulation theory of direct peptide-DNA interaction and gene regulation.

Vilon restores immune function in aging animals

Khavinson VKh, et al.2003Neuroendocrinology Letters

Animal study demonstrating improved T-cell counts, immune responsiveness, and reduced susceptibility to infection in aged mice treated with Vilon.

Dipeptide regulation of interferon gene expression

Khavinson VKh, et al.2010Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine

Showed Vilon modulates interferon system gene expression in immune cells, enhancing antiviral signaling capacity in aged tissue.

Minimal peptide sequences as bioregulators: theoretical framework

Khavinson VKh.2009Biology Bulletin Reviews

Theoretical paper discussing how dipeptides like Vilon can function as gene regulators, proposing charge-conformation-based DNA recognition mechanisms.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all published research. Studies are selected for relevance and quality. Click PubMed IDs to verify sources independently. Inclusion does not imply endorsement of the peptide for any clinical use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vilon (KE) is the smallest Khavinson bioregulator — a dipeptide of just two amino acids (Lys-Glu). It targets thymic and immune tissue to support T-cell maturation, thymic function, and immune system restoration in aging.

This is a key question in bioregulation theory. Khavinson proposes that even dipeptides have specific charge distributions and conformations enabling DNA sequence recognition. The KE dipeptide has been shown to bind specific DNA sequences in vitro, though this mechanism is not widely accepted in mainstream biology.

Both target immune function, but through different proposed mechanisms. Thymosin Alpha-1 (28 amino acids) works through TLR activation and T-cell stimulation via receptor-mediated signaling. Vilon (2 amino acids) is proposed to work through direct DNA interaction. Thymosin Alpha-1 has much more extensive clinical evidence and regulatory approval.

The Khavinson group has developed oral capsule formulations, proposing the tiny dipeptide survives GI transit. However, oral bioavailability data is limited, and dipeptides are typically susceptible to intestinal and serum peptidases.

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Research & Educational Use Only

All content is for informational and research purposes only. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.

The information presented here is compiled from published research studies and is intended for informational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider.