Vilon (also seen as “KE,” Lys‑Glu, or lysyl‑glutamic acid) is a two–amino‑acid peptide studied as a thymic bioregulator that modulates immune signaling and age‑related gene expression. Peer‑reviewed work shows Vilon (L‑Lys‑L‑Glu) can increase interleukin‑2 (IL‑2) gene expression in lymphocytes, remodel chromatin in aged cells, and extend lifespan in mice, with favorable safety in preclinical models. (PubMed)
Fast Answer: Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys‑Glu) 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, and lifespan extension in mice, suggesting a role in restoring immune balance and transcriptional programs associated with healthy aging. Research use only. (PubMed)
Vilon: Entity Properties (for researchers)
| Property | Details (standardized) |
|---|---|
| Aliases / Synonyms | Vilon; KE; L‑Lys‑L‑Glu; lysylglutamic acid |
| Family / Pathway | Thymic peptide bioregulator (immunomodulatory) (ScienceDirect) |
| Sequence (AA) | Lys–Glu (L‑Lys‑L‑Glu) |
| Molecular Weight (Da) | ~275.3 Da (free dipeptide) (PubChem) |
| CAS (if applicable) | 45234‑02‑4 (L‑Lys‑L‑Glu dipeptide); note the distinct salt L‑lysine·L‑glutamate has CAS 5408‑52‑6 (not the dipeptide). (PubChem) |
| Typical Diluent(s) | Sterile saline or bacteriostatic water (research preparation) |
| Example Concentration(s) | Educational example: 20 mg vial → add 2 mL → 10 mg/mL |
| Storage | Lyophilized: freezer (≤ –20 °C). After reconstitution: 2–8 °C, short‑term (research handling best practices). |
Normalization note: You may see “VILON,” “KE,” or “L‑Lys‑L‑Glu.” We standardize to Vilon (Lys‑Glu) and use this consistently below.
Core Concepts & Key Entities
What is Vilon, mechanistically?
Vilon is an ultra‑short peptide that appears to “retune” immune and gene‑expression programs rather than forcing large, drug‑like effects. In cultured lymphocytes, the Lys‑Glu dipeptide significantly increases IL‑2 mRNA, a cytokine central to T‑cell proliferation and function. This effect is concentration‑ and time‑dependent. (PubMed)
At the chromatin level, short bioregulatory peptides—including Vilon—reverse age‑related chromatin tightening in human lymphocytes, a process sometimes described as deheterochromatinization. In older donors, these peptides increase the proportion of transcriptionally active euchromatin and reactivate nucleolar organizer regions that drive ribosomal RNA synthesis and protein production. This likely underpins observed improvements in cellular function with age. (PubMed)
Emerging epigenetics work suggests short peptides can remodel facultative heterochromatin in a selective, sequence‑aware way—a rationale for their tissue‑specific, homeostasis‑favoring actions in aging biology. (PubMed)
Where does Vilon sit among related entities?
Vilon belongs to a set of organ‑derived peptide bioregulators characterized in Russian gerontology programs (e.g., Epitalon from the pineal gland; Thymogen and Thymalin from thymus). These peptides show overlapping but distinct profiles: Vilon is tightly aligned with immune rebalancing and chromatin effects, while Epitalon shows telomerase activation and circadian influences. (ScienceDirect)
Key takeaway: Vilon = immune/epigenetic tuning (IL‑2 + chromatin). Epitalon = telomerase/circadian. Thymogen/Thymalin = broader thymic immune support (with clinical use in some countries). (ScienceDirect)
What outcomes are reported in the literature?
1) Immunomodulation & Inflammatory Tone
Vilon upregulates IL‑2 gene expression in splenic lymphocytes—a direct mechanism for enhancing T‑cell activation and expansion. Broader thymic‑peptide reviews indicate these molecules can act as cytokine “antagonists”/normalizers in inflammatory processes, aligning with a tendency to rebalance, not blunt, immunity. (PubMed)
Human macrophage work using the Vilon dipeptide as one of several test peptides shows modulation of proliferative activity and inflammatory responses, reinforcing a macrophage‑level mechanism relevant to tissue healing and innate immunity. (PMC)
2) Epigenetic “Rejuvenation” of Aged Cells
In lymphocytes from elderly donors, Vilon induces chromatin decondensation, reactivates ribosomal genes, and increases nucleolar organizer activity, changes that support renewed protein synthesis and cellular housekeeping. This epigenetic remodeling is one plausible engine for improved resilience with age. (PubMed)
3) Longevity Signals in Animal Models
In female CBA mice, chronic, low‑dose Vilon initiated in mid‑life increased physical activity and endurance, lowered basal body temperature, reduced spontaneous tumor development, and prolonged lifespan—with no adverse developmental effects even after long‑term use. (PubMed)
4) Gastrointestinal & Metabolic Support Signals (Aging Models)
With oral Vilon in rats, several studies report increased activities of brush‑border enzymes (e.g., maltase, invertase, alkaline phosphatase) and improved glucose/glycine transport—especially in older animals, effectively narrowing age‑related gaps. This points to restoration of digestive/absorptive capacity as organisms age. (PubMed)
Unique insight (information gain): Across these domains, Vilon’s actions fit a two‑phase model: (1) fast transcriptional nudges (e.g., IL‑2 mRNA rise) and (2) slower chromatin remodeling that re‑opens access to growth/repair programs. This phased view helps explain why short cycles can produce durable, system‑level changes even after dosing stops. (PubMed)
Step‑by‑Step (Research How‑To): Preparing Vilon Solutions for Lab Use
What’s the best way to handle Vilon for research? Reconstitute sterilely, label clearly, and store cold to maintain integrity during a short experimental window.
Step 1 — Plan your working concentration
Decide on a working stock that makes downstream aliquoting simple (e.g., reconstituting a 20 mg vial in 2 mL to yield 10 mg/mL). This permits precise, small‑volume pipetting for in vitro assays.
Step 2 — Reconstitute under sterile conditions
Use sterile saline or bacteriostatic water. Direct diluent gently down the vial wall and swirl—don’t shake—to avoid foaming. Let fully dissolve.
Step 3 — Aliquot to minimize freeze–thaw
Split into micro‑aliquots sized to a single day or experiment. Freeze lyophilized stock long‑term (≤ –20 °C). Keep reconstituted solution 2–8 °C and use promptly (research best practice).
Step 4 — Document lots, dates, and concentrations
Label each aliquot with peptide, lot, concentration, and reconstitution date. Record storage conditions to maintain chain‑of‑custody and reproducibility.
Research‑only note: Handling details are provided for laboratory contexts. These peptides are not FDA‑approved therapies; do not construe handling guidance as directions for clinical use.
Comparison & Alternatives (When you’re weighing options)
Bottom line: Choose Vilon when your goal is immune tuning + age‑linked gene‑expression support; consider Epitalon for telomerase/circadian endpoints; Thymogen/Thymalin for broader thymic immune normalization. (PubMed)
Table — How Vilon compares to other peptide bioregulators
| Peptide | Sequence / Class | Primary Signals Reported | Where it tends to show best signal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vilon (KE) | Lys‑Glu (dipeptide); thymic bioregulator | ↑ IL‑2 gene expression; chromatin decondensation in aged lymphocytes; lifespan extension in mice | Immune rejuvenation signals; age‑linked transcriptional remodeling; GI enzyme restoration in aged rats (PubMed) |
| Epitalon (AEDG) | Ala‑Glu‑Asp‑Gly; pineal bioregulator | Telomerase activation and telomere elongation in human somatic cells; circadian support | Longevity/circadian endpoints; neuroendocrine axes (PubMed) |
| Thymogen (EW) | Glu‑Trp (dipeptide); thymic | Immune differentiation; clinical use as immunocorrector in some settings; geroprotective signals in rodents | Immune deficits, vaccine responses, adjunct in infections (country‑specific) (PubMed) |
| Thymalin | Thymic peptide complex (polypeptide drug) | Broad immune normalization; used clinically in select countries; COVID‑19 immunocorrection studies | Systemic immune dysfunction; inflammation control in clinical contexts (PMC) |
Templates / Checklist (Copy‑ready for your lab notebook)
Vilon Research Readiness Checklist
- Verify identity: Confirm L‑Lys‑L‑Glu (Vilon/KE) on the COA; note MW ≈ 275.3 Da and supplier lot. (PubChem)
- Confirm form: Distinguish dipeptide Vilon (e.g., CAS 45234‑02‑4) from the amino‑acid salt L‑lysine·L‑glutamate (CAS 5408‑52‑6). (PubChem)
- Set working stock: Plan concentration (e.g., 10 mg/mL) to match assay volumes.
- Use aseptic technique: Sterile diluent, sterile syringes/pipettes; avoid foaming.
- Aliquot & label: Single‑use aliquots, labeled with lot, date, and concentration.
- Store correctly: Lyophilized at ≤ –20 °C; reconstituted at 2–8 °C (short‑term).
- Track metadata: Record exact dosing to wells/animals and timing in your ELN.
- Pre‑register endpoints: Define primary readouts (e.g., IL‑2 mRNA, chromatin marks).
- Plan controls: Include vehicle and, when relevant, an active comparator (e.g., Epitalon for epigenetic benchmarks). (PubMed)
- Respect scope: Research use only; do not translate lab handling into clinical instructions.
FAQs (Answer‑first, PAA‑style)
What is Vilon?
Vilon is a synthetic dipeptide (Lys‑Glu) studied as a thymic peptide bioregulator that can increase IL‑2 gene expression in lymphocytes and remodel age‑related chromatin in immune cells. It is explored for restoring immune balance and transcriptional activity in aging models. Research use only. (PubMed)
Is Vilon the same as “KE”?
Yes—“KE” is the short‑name code for the Lys‑Glu dipeptide known as Vilon. In the bioregulator literature, KE (Lys‑Glu) is repeatedly referred to as Vilon and grouped with other short peptides like AEDG (Epitalon). (PMC)
How does Vilon work?
Vilon appears to act via two converging mechanisms: (1) IL‑2 gene upregulation in lymphocytes and (2) chromatin decondensation in aged cells, which re‑opens access to silenced genes (e.g., ribosomal DNA) and supports protein synthesis and repair. (PubMed)
Does Vilon increase lifespan?
In female CBA mice, Vilon extended lifespan and reduced spontaneous tumor formation when given chronically from mid‑life, without noted adverse developmental effects. Human longevity data are not available; findings are preclinical. (PubMed)
Is there evidence Vilon helps digestion or metabolism with age?
Yes, in aged rats Vilon increased brush‑border enzyme activities (maltase, invertase, alkaline phosphatase) and improved intestinal transport characteristics, narrowing age‑related deficits versus younger controls. (PubMed)
How is Vilon different from Epitalon?
Epitalon (AEDG) primarily shows telomerase/telomere and circadian effects, while Vilon (Lys‑Glu) shows strong immune and epigenetic‑chromatin effects. They’re often considered complementary in aging research. (PubMed)
Is Vilon safe?
Preclinical data suggest a favorable safety profile, including a long‑term mouse study reporting no adverse developmental effects alongside pro‑longevity signals. As human‑scale trials are limited, Vilon remains research‑only and should be handled accordingly. (PubMed)
Next Steps (for peptide enthusiasts & researchers)
If your objective is immune revitalization and age‑linked gene‑expression support, Vilon is a strong candidate for bench exploration. Start with clear hypotheses (e.g., IL‑2 mRNA, AgNOR counts, rRNA transcription, brush‑border enzyme activity in aging models) and use robust controls.
- Learn protocols (educational): See our in‑house guide for structuring research cycles and example calculations: Vilon 20 mg Vial Dosage Protocol.
- Source research‑grade material: For lab‑use procurement, PureLabPeptides offers Vilon (20 mg) here: purelabpeptides.com/buy-vilon-20mg.
- Stay evidence‑based: Track endpoints aligned with published mechanisms (IL‑2 transcription, chromatin metrics) and report results transparently.
Bottom line: Vilon (Lys‑Glu) is a compact peptide with outsized potential in immune and epigenetic research, showing IL‑2 upregulation, chromatin remodeling, and pro‑longevity signals in animals. Investigate it thoughtfully, and keep the work strictly educational and research‑oriented. (PubMed)