Transfer factor: failure to transfer reactivity in normal human subjects

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cellular Immunity

Background:

• Transfer factor is a substance derived from immune cells.
• Its potential to enhance immune responses is of clinical interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of transfer factor on immunologic reactivity in normal subjects.
• To determine if transfer factor enhances cellular immune responses.

Main Methods:

• Transfer factor was prepared from donors with specific antigen reactivity profiles.
• Normal recipients received either transfer factor or placebo.
• Immunologic reactivity was assessed via skin tests and in vitro assays in a blinded manner.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in immunologic reactivity were observed between the transfer factor and placebo groups.
• Changes in immune responses in recipients could not be attributed to transfer factor administration.

Conclusions:

• Transfer factor did not demonstrate enhancement of immunologic reactivity in healthy individuals.
• Further rigorous studies are required to ascertain its efficacy in immunocompromised patients.