Immunotherapy of coccidioidomycosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection often associated with impaired T-cell function.
• Transfer factor (TF) is a cell-free extract that can transfer cell-mediated immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and immunologic effects of transfer factor (TF) in patients with coccidioidomycosis.
• To assess the impact of TF on T-cell function and host response to the fungus.

Main Methods:

• Four patients with active coccidioidomycosis received TF derived from donors with delayed hypersensitivity to coccidioidin (CDN).
• Immunologic assessments included skin tests, lymphocyte stimulation assays ([(3)H]thymidine incorporation), and migration inhibition factor (MIF) release.
• Clinical outcomes and nonspecific signs of infection were monitored.

Main Results:

• TF administration restored skin reactivity, lymphocyte stimulation, and MIF release in response to CDN.
• Phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced lymphocyte reactivity also increased post-TF.
• Clinical improvement, including negative cultures and resolution of infiltrates, correlated with immunologic enhancement.
• Responses were transient, necessitating frequent TF dosing for sustained effects.

Conclusions:

• Transfer factor (TF) can enhance T-cell immunity and improve clinical outcomes in coccidioidomycosis.
• Frequent administration of TF is crucial for maintaining immunologic and clinical benefits.
• TF shows promise as an adjunctive therapy for coccidioidomycosis, warranting further investigation.