The term Transfer Factor is utilized to refer to a combination of molecules obtained from leukocytes, which are white blood cells. This mixture of molecules serves the purpose of its name, transferring immunity from the donor to a recipient that was not naturally immune.
Dr. HS Lawrence first described TF, or what is now generally known as “dialysable leukocyte extracts,” in 1955.
The earliest investigations into Transfer Factor began in the mid-20th century. Research into this powerful tool has been ongoing since that time.
Studies from the past have evidenced that TF can yield advantages in persons that have infectious illnesses such as chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, chronic coccidioidomycosis and progressive primary tuberculosis, as well as in kids with immunodeficiency.
Finding donors with immunity to infectious organisms was not difficult, however, in the early studies, it proved to be a major struggle to locate individuals who were genetically alike to the patient and could donate TF that was effective against their tumor. Additionally, during the 1980’s, there was an apprehension surrounding the transmission of HIV.
Recent Investigations of Transfer Factor
Recent studies have been conducted to look into the effects of transfer factor on human health and physiology. The results of these studies have been quite interesting and revealing.
It took several years to resolve the technical issues related to studying TF, but purification methods and other approaches helped make it possible to explore TF’s potential to help cancer patients. Different studies showed that TF could shrink tumors, raise survival rates and enhance the immune system’s reaction to prostate, bone, lung and brain cancer. According to one review, “Transfer Factor is an immune boosting molecule that is naturally generated by our immune system and is capable of transferring immunological memory to the recipient.”
Exploration of the Field
Current research is being investigated to gain a better understanding of the topic.
Research on TF has discovered that it may possibly be a helpful tool in the medical care of various cancers, infectious diseases, allergies, fungal and parasitic diseases, and veterinary medicine. Additionally, experiments on animals have indicated that TF may assist in the prevention of a wide range of illnesses, comprising cancer, immune deficiency disorders, autoimmune disease, infectious and parasitic diseases. Conclusion drawn from this research can be found here.
What is the Process of TF?
It’s human nature to want to understand how things function, and this is no different for scientists.
Studies conducted in recent times have revealed that TF can potentially be employed in various manners to slow tumor advancement and battle off infections.
The initial activity of TF is to stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is significant because these cytokines, which are small molecules that act as cell-to-cell communicators, enhance the amount of local inflammation. This inflammatory environment is essential for the immune system, as it is important in diminishing tumor cells and infected cells. The pro-inflammatory cytokines consist of IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-α. TNF-α brings about necrosis in tumor cells.
The second action of TF is to activate members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family, which is essential for innate immunity. This is an ancient form of immune defense that all multicellular organisms possess. TLRs are found on the surface of immunity cells and serve as a switch to initiate the immune system. It is comparable to a lock and key–the receptors are the lock and certain molecules on the surface of microorganisms and tumors are the key. By connecting to the TLR, the door is opened and the immune system is able to attack and destroy cancer cells and cells infected by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other parasites.
It has been suggested that TF facilitates the induction of a type of regulatory T cell referred to as TH-1. The activation of these helper cells leads to a series of actions that result in the destruction of tumor cells or those affected by infection. This process also triggers the production of antibodies that help eliminate these afflicted cells. Furthermore, these same antibodies stimulate macrophages, which are large cells that consume tumors and infections. The Greek word for “eat”, phagein, is where the term “phage” originates.
What is the Degree of Safety of Transfer Factor?
TF has been widely implemented in clinical settings and its adverse reactions have been found to be quite minimal. The reactions reported included headache, rash, a runny nose, cough and fatigue, but they were mainly non-threatening and temporary.
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