Transfer factor

Related Terms

Amino terminal fragments of enkephalins, antigen-dependent activity, antigen-independent activity, ascorbate, bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract, bovine dialyzable transfer factor, bovine transfer factor, chemiluminescence-inducing activity, chemotactic activity, cholinergic activity, cobalt, copper, dialyzable leukocyte extract, dialyzable transfer factor, DLE, facteur de transfert (French), factor de transferencia (Spanish), glycine, HCC-S-TF, histamine, human dialyzable leukocyte extract, human transfer factor, hypoxanthine, inducer factor, iron, Lawrence transfer factor, Lawrence's transfer factor, leukocyte adherence inhibition activity, leukocyte migration-enhancing activity, leukocyte migration-inhibiting activity, LLU, L-serine, lysed human leukocyte ultrafiltrate, manganese, nickel, nicotinamide, peptides, polynucleosides, polynucleotides, polypeptides, prostaglandins, protein, purine, pyrimidine, ribonucleotide, ribose, RNA bases, serotonin, Sp-TF, Sp-TFM, STF, S-TF, suppressor factor, suppressor transfer factor, T lymphocyte or differentiation maturation factors, TF, TFdL-H, TFh, thymosin-like factor, zinc.

Background

Transfer factor is defined as a substance in white blood cells that can transfer immunity from an immune or sensitized person to a nonimmune or nonsensitized individual. White blood cells are lysed, or burst, and the contents are processed into a tablet or injection. A skin test can be carried out to learn whether immunity has been transferred from one person to the other. The structure and mechanism of action of transfer factor are unknown.
Transfer factor may be made from blood cells of normal healthy people, from individuals who been infected with a virus, such as herpes, or from individuals who are long-time survivors of specific diseases, such as bone cancer.
Transfer factor has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer, infections, and immune system disorders. High quality evidence supporting the use of transfer factor for any condition in humans is currently unavailable.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


According to limited research, it is unclear whether transfer factor may aid in the treatment of acne. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


According to limited research, it is unclear whether transfer factor may aid in the treatment of acne. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Some evidence of benefit has been observed in clinical trials of transfer factor therapy for AIDS. Additional high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Some evidence of benefit has been observed in clinical trials of transfer factor therapy for AIDS. Additional high-quality research is needed in this area.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that transfer factor may have beneficial effects in children with asthma and patients with upper respiratory infections. Further research is required in this field.

 C


Preliminary research suggests that transfer factor may have beneficial effects in children with asthma and patients with upper respiratory infections. Further research is required in this field.

 C


Transfer factor may be helpful in reducing the severity of symptoms of atopic dermatitis (skin rash), although some studies have reported a lack of beneficial effects. Further research is needed.

 C


Transfer factor may be helpful in reducing the severity of symptoms of atopic dermatitis (skin rash), although some studies have reported a lack of beneficial effects. Further research is needed.

 C


In limited research, transfer factor therapy was associated with partial regression of breast cancer. Further research is required in this area.

 C


In limited research, transfer factor therapy was associated with partial regression of breast cancer. Further research is required in this area.

 C


Transfer factor therapy has been studied for a variety of cancers, with mixed results. It has been suggested that transfer factor may serve as a useful adjunct therapy. Further research is needed.

 C


Transfer factor therapy has been studied for a variety of cancers, with mixed results. It has been suggested that transfer factor may serve as a useful adjunct therapy. Further research is needed.

 C


Transfer factor therapy has been used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease) and epilepsy, with some evidence of benefit. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Transfer factor therapy has been used for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease) and epilepsy, with some evidence of benefit. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


The rate of recurrence has been improved in a small number of trials of transfer factor treatment in cervical cancer. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C


The rate of recurrence has been improved in a small number of trials of transfer factor treatment in cervical cancer. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

 C


Transfer factor therapy has been used in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, with mixed results. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Transfer factor therapy has been used in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, with mixed results. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Some studies of transfer factor therapy in patients with hepatitis have suggested that transfer factor may have beneficial effects when used alone or with another agent. Other studies have reported a lack of effect. Larger, high-quality studies are needed to determine whether transfer factor therapy may be effective in hepatitis.

 C


Some studies of transfer factor therapy in patients with hepatitis have suggested that transfer factor may have beneficial effects when used alone or with another agent. Other studies have reported a lack of effect. Larger, high-quality studies are needed to determine whether transfer factor therapy may be effective in hepatitis.

 C


Some studies have reported improvements, such as shorter duration of pain, in patients with herpes. Additional high-quality studies are needed in this area.

 C


Some studies have reported improvements, such as shorter duration of pain, in patients with herpes. Additional high-quality studies are needed in this area.

 C


Limited data are available on the effect of transfer factor in the patients with Hodgkin's disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited data are available on the effect of transfer factor in the patients with Hodgkin's disease. Additional research is needed in this area.

 C


Beneficial effects have been reported for transfer factor therapy in patients with a variety of immune disorders. Well-designed studies are required in this field before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Beneficial effects have been reported for transfer factor therapy in patients with a variety of immune disorders. Well-designed studies are required in this field before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Transfer factor has been used with success to treat a variety of infections, although in other studies, beneficial effects have been lacking. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Transfer factor has been used with success to treat a variety of infections, although in other studies, beneficial effects have been lacking. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Transfer factor has been explored as therapy in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and nonbacterial cystitis, with mixed results. Further well-designed research is required in this field.

 C


Transfer factor has been explored as therapy in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and nonbacterial cystitis, with mixed results. Further well-designed research is required in this field.

 C


Limited research has shown modest improvements in patients with leukemia. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Limited research has shown modest improvements in patients with leukemia. Further research is needed in this area.

 C


Transfer factor may improve survival after resection in lung cancer patients. More research is needed in order to better understand the potential benefit of transfer factor therapy for lung cancer.

 C


Transfer factor may improve survival after resection in lung cancer patients. More research is needed in order to better understand the potential benefit of transfer factor therapy for lung cancer.

 C


Limited data are available on transfer factor therapy for mycosis fungoides (cancer of the immune system that appears as a skin rash). Well-designed studies are required before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Limited data are available on transfer factor therapy for mycosis fungoides (cancer of the immune system that appears as a skin rash). Well-designed studies are required before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Some studies have reported that transfer factor therapy resulted in slowed progression of multiple sclerosis, while others have reported the lack of an effect. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Some studies have reported that transfer factor therapy resulted in slowed progression of multiple sclerosis, while others have reported the lack of an effect. Additional research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Transfer factor therapy may slow tumor growth and improve survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancer of the upper part of the throat); however, supporting evidence is limited. Additional well-designed research is needed in this area.

 C


Transfer factor therapy may slow tumor growth and improve survival in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (cancer of the upper part of the throat); however, supporting evidence is limited. Additional well-designed research is needed in this area.

 C


Available scientific evidence on transfer factor therapy in patients with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is limited. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Available scientific evidence on transfer factor therapy in patients with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is limited. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Available scientific evidence on transfer factor therapy for warts is limited. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


Available scientific evidence on transfer factor therapy for warts is limited. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be drawn.

 C


In one study, disease progression was accelerated in patients treated with transfer factor compared with those who received placebo. Other studies have reported a lack of effect. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D


In one study, disease progression was accelerated in patients treated with transfer factor compared with those who received placebo. Other studies have reported a lack of effect. Additional research is needed in this area.

 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Transfer factor has been inhaled, as well as taken by mouth and by injection under the skin or into a muscle. Transfer factor therapy should be provided by a reputable source and be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Transfer factor may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Transfer factor may interact with agents used for AIDS, agents used for asthma, agents used for seizures, agents used for the skin, agents that may affect the immune system, agents used for the liver, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, antivirals, and neurologic agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Corrado F, Pizza G, de Vinci C, et al. [Immunotherapy with transfer factor in hormone-resistant metastasized carcinoma of the prostate]. Arch Esp Urol 1989; 42 Suppl 2:191-6.
Espinosa Padilla SE, Orozco S, Plaza A, et al. [Effect of transfer factor on treatment with glucocorticoids in a group of pediatric patients with persistent moderate allergic asthma] Revista alergia Mexico 2009;56(3): 67-71.
G?ring HD, Ott D, Schwalm I, et al. [Cellular immune defect and transfer factor therapy in epidermolysis bullosa simplex of the Weber-Cockayne type]. Dermatologische Monatschrift [Dermatol Monatsschr] 1988;174 (1):10-3.
Hana I, Vrubel J, Pekarek J, et al. The influence of age on transfer factor treatment of cellular immunodeficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome and/or chronic viral infections. Biotherapy 1996; 9(1-3):91-5.
Iseki M, Aoyama T, Koizumi Y, et al. [Effects of transfer factor on chronic hepatitis B in childhood]. Kansenshogaku Zasshi. The Journal Of The Japanese Association For Infectious Diseases [Kansenshogaku Zasshi] 1989;63 (12):1329-32.
Mastromatteo V, Negri L, Pacchioni D, et al. [Effects of transfer factor on the number of circulating lymphocytes in patients with spinocellular carcinoma of the cervicofacial area]. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper 1987;63(11):1043-50.
Metzner G, Fricke HJ, Schr?der D, et al. [Human transfer factor. II. Clinical results with the large pool transfer factor]. Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch 1983;110 (4):526-39.
Negri L, Pacchioni D, Calabrese F, et al. [Changes in circulating lymphocytes and "E" rosettes in patients with colonic neoplasms treated with transfer factor]. Bollettino Della Societ? Italiana Di Biologia Sperimentale [Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper] 1987;63(11): 1051-8.
Orozco TT, Solano MO, Sandoval G, et al. [Inflammatory mediators in patients with atopic dermatitis after treatment with transfer factor]. Rev Alerg Mex 2004;51(4):151-4.
Paganelli R, Soothill JF, Marshall WC, et al. Transfer factor and cytomegalovirus viruia. Lancet 1981;8214:273-4).
Pilotti V, Mastrorilli M, Pizza G, et al. Transfer factor as an adjuvant to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy. Biotherapy 1996;9(1-3): 117-21.
Sosa M, Flores G, Estrada S, et al. [Comparative treatment between thalidomide and transfer factor in severe atopic dermatitis]. Rev Alerg Mex 2001;48(2):56-64.
Simko M, Mokr?n V, Nyulassy S. [Immunomodulatory therapy of epilepsy with transfer factor]. Bratisl Lek Listy 1997; 98(4):234-7.
Vald?s S?nchez AF, Fern?ndez Ortega C, G?mez Echeverr?a AH, et al. [Atopic dermatitis. Treatment with transfer factor. A controlled clinical trial]. Rev Alerg 1991;38(6):158-62).
Wagner G, Knapp W, Gitsch E, et al. Transfer factor for adjuvant immunotherapy in cervical cancer. Cancer Detect Prev Suppl 1987;1:373-6.