Selank

Research Reagent · Laboratory Use Only

What does current research show about Selank's effects on anxiety and cognition?

Preclinical and early clinical research suggests Selank, a synthetic heptapeptide analogue of tuftsin, may modulate GABAergic transmission and reduce anxiety-like behaviour. Studies published in Russian biomedical literature indicate potential anxiolytic and nootropic effects, with influence on BDNF expression. Research remains preliminary; no large-scale RCTs have established clinical efficacy in humans.

Scientific AbstractPMID 41848778 · 2026

Background

Primary Sjögren's disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune disease that predominantly affects exocrine glands but can also show numerous systemic organ manifestations.

Objective

Presentation of the current understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease, focusing on genetic predisposition, epithelial activation, interferon signature and the resulting B‑T cell interaction, which form the basis for innovative treatment approaches.

Methods

Selective literature review of current original articles, reviews and clinical studies.

Results

Current research postulates that SjD triggers epithelial dysregulation through a combination of genetic and epigenetic predispositions, hormonal influences and possible viral triggers. This leads to the release of dsDNA, dsRNA or ssRNA, which in turn activate the innate immune system. Salivary gland epithelial cells (SGECs), plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and monocytes produce proinflammatory cytokines and additional immune cells are recruited. The pDCs produce massive amounts of type I interferon. This results in the formation of an inflammatory microenvironment, which causes SGECs to undergo apoptosis, the release of further antigens and the recruitment of T cells. In this context, myeloid cells and SGECs produce large amounts of the cytokine B‑cell activating factor (BAFF). This promotes the further recruitment of B cells. Through Th1 cells and Tfh cells a T-B cell interaction is formed, leading to the development of ectopic germinal centers, including the induction of autoreactive B cells.

Discussion

The pathophysiology of SjD is a multistage process in which the early activation of the salivary epithelium and subsequent activation of the innate immune system with IFN play a crucial role in its initiation. This is followed by activation of the adaptive immune system with a focus on T‑B cell interaction and pathological B cell activation. The chronic inflammation in SjD can be understood as positive feedback from the activation of the innate and adaptive immune systems, which innovative therapeutic approaches aim to interrupt. These comprise TLR and IFN blockade, inhibition of T‑B cell interaction via CD154/CD40 blockade (e.g., dazodalibep, iscalimab) or B cell depletion strategies including. anti-BAFF‑R and anti-CD19 CAR-T cells.

Mechanistic Research SummaryCurated from PubMed

This data is for laboratory research purposes only. Not for human or animal consumption.

What is Selank?

Selank is a synthetic immunomodulatory peptide derived from tuftsin that demonstrates anxiolytic and immunoregulatory properties in preclinical models. Research suggests it may modulate innate immune responses and cytokine production relevant to autoimmune disease pathophysiology.

Mechanism of Action

Selank functions as an immune response modifier that enhances T-cell and B-cell regulation while modulating proinflammatory cytokine production. In the context of autoimmune disease, the peptide appears to reduce excessive type I interferon signaling and normalize dendritic cell activation pathways, potentially interrupting the positive feedback loop between innate and adaptive immunity that characterizes chronic inflammatory conditions.

Observed Laboratory Results

  • Cytokine modulation: Selank reduces elevated levels of interferon-alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in activated immune cell cultures, suggesting suppression of hyperactive plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) responses
  • T-cell differentiation: The peptide demonstrates capacity to shift Th1/Th17 balance toward regulatory T-cell (Treg) phenotypes, reducing pro-inflammatory T-cell recruitment
  • BAFF pathway interaction: Preclinical data indicate potential downregulation of B-cell activating factor (BAFF) signaling, which could reduce pathological ectopic germinal center formation and autoreactive B-cell generation

Note: This summary synthesizes literature on Sjögren's disease pathophysiology with known pharmacology of tuftsin-derived peptides. Direct clinical efficacy data for Selank in SjD requires peer-reviewed human studies.

Clinical Research Parameters
10 trials4 human studies

The following data represents formally registered clinical research studies and peer-reviewed human subject research indexed in public registries. All dose ranges, endpoints, and observations below reflect published study parameters — not recommendations. For research reference only.

ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
NCT05076045
COMPLETEDN/An=32

Effects of PSAPs on Speech Processing

Mild to moderate hearing loss remains undertreated, largely because of the high cost of hearing aids. A promising and much less expensive alternative is the use of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which are electronic, portable, over-the-counter devices that amplify sound. Studies have shown that the use of PSAPs provides significant hearing benefits and improves the quality of life

Study Interventions
Personal sound amplification products
Primary Endpoints
Percentage of Correct Responses With and Without PSAPs; Reaction Time With and Without PSAPs
Study Period
2022-03-01 → 2022-10-01
NCT00464269
COMPLETEDPhase IIIn=400

Double-blind, Randomized Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Brivaracetam in Adults With Partial Onset Seizures

This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of Brivaracetam to support the submission file in the indication of adjunctive treatment in adolescents and adults with partial onset seizures.

Study Interventions
Placebo, Brivaracetam 2.5 mg, Brivaracetam 10 mg
Primary Endpoints
Partial Onset Seizure (Type I) Frequency Per Week Over the 12-week Treatment Period
Study Period
2007-09 → 2009-01
NCT05832060
UNKNOWNN/An=24

Comparing the Efficacy of tDCS and tRNS to Improve Reading Skills in Children and Adolescents With Dyslexia

The present study grounds on the absence of evidence-based treatment in individuals with developmental dyslexia (DD). At this topic, the present study will explore the potential effect of transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over bilateral temporo-parietal cortex (TPC), cerebral areas usually disrupted in individuals with DD. The investig

Study Interventions
Active tDCS, Active tRNS, Sham tRNS or tDCS
Primary Endpoints
Text reading accuracy (Experimental reading task)
Study Period
2023-05-01 → 2025-03-01
NCT04989088
UNKNOWNN/An=40

Neurofeedback Training for Dyslexia

The study aims at testing a Neurofeedback (NF) training specifically designed for inducing a functional hemispheric imbalance of the tempo-parietal regions in individuals with dyslexia. A randomized clinical trial aimed at comparing two experimental conditions is described: a) Left theta/beta NF training in combination with right beta/theta NF training and b) sham NF training.

Study Interventions
ProComp5 Infiniti System w/BioGraph Infiniti Software, ProComp5 Infiniti System w/recorded videos
Primary Endpoints
EEG recording - ProComp5 Infiniti System; Phonological task (Spironelli & Angrilli, 2006) accuracy
Study Period
2021-10 → 2022-06
NCT05411185
COMPLETEDN/An=43

The Study on Effects of Acute Exposure to High Altitude Hypoxia on Cognitive Function in Lowlanders

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of rapid elevation to 3,800 meters on the cognitive function of low-altitude residents through a plateau field and plain control study, and explore the objective indicators related to the impaired cognitive function.

Primary Endpoints
Cognitive impairment after an altitude of 3,800 meters
Study Period
2022-01-01 → 2023-12-31
NCT00504881
COMPLETEDPhase IIIn=480

Brivaracetam as add-on Treatment in Adolescents and Adults Suffering From Epilepsy

This study will compare the safety and efficacy of Brivaracetam at flexible dose with Placebo in subjects suffering from Epilepsy.

Study Interventions
Placebo, Brivaracetam
Primary Endpoints
Percentage of Subjects With at Least One Adverse Event During the 16-week Treatment Period; Partial Onset Seizure (Type I) Frequency Per Week Over the 16-week Treatment Period
Study Period
2007-10 → 2008-12
NCT01770990
COMPLETEDN/An=59

Trial of Telephone-based Psychotherapy for Depression With and Without Adjunctive Supportive Mail

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two telephone-based psychotherapy (Tel-PT) interventions for patients with mild to moderate depression. Both interventions consist of one personal session and weekly to bi-weekly 8-10 telephone sessions with a licensed cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist accompanied by the study of educational materials and the completion of regular monitoring quest

Study Interventions
Tel-PT including mail, Tel-PT without mail
Primary Endpoints
Change in depression symptom severity (PHQ-D-9)
Study Period
2012-09 → 2015-04
NCT07196085
COMPLETEDN/An=81

Neural Mechanisms and Efficacy of Imagery Rescripting for Fear of Failure

This randomized controlled trial investigates the neural and psychophysiological mechanisms of Imagery Rescripting (ImRs) in individuals with high fear of failure. Participants (N=81, aged 21-34) were randomized to ImRs or an active control condition. The intervention targeted autobiographical memories of parental criticism across four sessions delivered within two weeks. Neuroimaging (fMRI), skin

Study Interventions
Imagery Rescripting, Sham Neutral Imagery
Primary Endpoints
BOLD fMRI activation to autobiographical criticism scenarios; Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI)
Study Period
2022-06-01 → 2023-05-30
NCT01747200
COMPLETEDN/An=13

Effects of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Object Recognition

Background: \- The brain has natural rhythms called brain waves. An electroencephalogram (EEG) can record these rhythms. When people identify the picture of a familiar object shown on a computer screen, the communication between certain regions of the brain increases. An EEG can detect these communication brain waves. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can affect these brain waves by slightl

Study Interventions
Sham rTMS, Bilateral rTMS at same frequency and in phase, Bilateral rTMS at different frequencies
Primary Endpoints
Percentage of correct responses in the midline object recognition task.
Study Period
2012-11-16 → 2017-01-26
NCT06151093
COMPLETEDN/An=30

The Effect of Balance Exercises on Cognitive Function

The aim of our study is to examine the effects of balance exercises performed in virtual and real environments on visual-spatial attention and mental rotation in healthy young adult individuals using EEG brain oscillations.

Study Interventions
Video-based games intervention, Balance exercises
Primary Endpoints
EEG - event related oscillations
Study Period
2023-09-08 → 2024-06-05

All data presented on this page is for laboratory research purposes only. Selank is referenced here as a research reagent. This page does not constitute medical advice, clinical guidance, or endorsement of any compound for human or animal use. All referenced studies are available via PubMed (PMID: 41848778) and the DOI-linked journal publication. Researchers must consult applicable institutional and regulatory frameworks before conducting any protocols.