Review Article
Biologic and Clinical Implications of Transfer Factor
Abstract
AbstractThe transfer of cell-mediated immunity from one individual to another can be successfully accomplished by the injection of leukocyte extracts. The biologic material responsible for this transfer of delayed hypersensitivity in man is called transfer factor (TF) and is obtained by dialysis' of disrupted lymphocytes. This substance is neither an antigen nor an immunoglobulin. Investigations into the clinical usefulness of TF are still in the initial stages; however, encouraging results have been obtained in the treatment of cases of mucocutaneous candidiasis. Because of the interest in immunology and cancer, it is not surprising that several therapeutic trials with TF have been done in patients with cancer. The administration of TF to human volunteers and to patients with specific diseases has not produced side effects. The potential role of TF as an agent of passive immunity in specific infections, immune-deficiency syndromes, and cancer has just begun to be explored.This content is limited to qualifying members.
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