In Vivo Sampling of Extracellular ?-Thymosin by Ultrafiltration Probes
In vivo detection and monitoring of extracellular ?-thymosin will facilitate the understanding of their biological function and association with disease progression. A novel technique using capillary ultrafiltration (CUF) probes linked to mass spectrometry is capable of sensing extracellular thymosin ?-4 and/or thymosin ?-10 in vivo in wounded skin and other tissue microenvironments. In this review, we highlight the association of extracellular ?-thymosin with skin wound healing and the potential adjuvant effects on vaccination. The fabrication and biological application of CUF probes are also described. Data from CUF probe-captured ?-thymosin may guide future exploration of extracellular ?-thymosin
in vivo sampling extracellular ?-thymosin ultrafiltration probe mass spectrometry