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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Allergies, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease), antiprotozoal, aphthous ulcers (canker sores), autism, autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections, blisters, bronchitis, chicken pox, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colds/flu, colon cancer, Crohn's disease, diabetes, encephalitis (brain inflammation), endocrine disorders, epilepsy, Epstein-Barr virus, eye disorders, fibromyalgia, fungal infections, hair loss, hypothyroidism, infertility, leprosy, liver disease, lung disease, Lyme disease, malnutrition, measles, movement disorders, muscle weakness (general), neuroblastoma (nerve cell cancer), neuromuscular disorders, parasites, psoriasis, respiratory tract infections, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcomas (connective tissue cancer), septicemia (severe blood infection), shingles, sinus infection, skin cancer, skin disorders, systemic lupus erythematosus, transplants, tuberculosis, vaccine adjunct, viral infection, yeast infection.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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.

Children (under 18 years old)

• Transfer factor has been inhaled, as well as taken by mouth and by injection under the skin. 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.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to transfer factor or any of its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Transfer factor, whether given by mouth or by injection, appears to be well tolerated. However, transfer factor may cause acne, anemia, bone and muscle pain with local inflammation, brain lesions and symptoms, fatigue, fever, fluid in the abdominal cavity, herpes infection, nausea, skin lesions or tenderness at the injection site, sore throat, swelling, tonsillitis, and worsening of symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome.

• Transfer factor may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Use cautiously in individuals with neurological conditions, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, or in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to transfer factor or any of its constituents.

• Transfer factor therapy should be provided by a reputable source and be supervised by a qualified healthcare provider. Theoretically, use of transfer factor prepared from cattle that have "mad cow disease" may cause brain and nerve damage. Some preparations of transfer factor may be contaminated with other substances.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Transfer factor is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Transfer factor may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Transfer factor may also interact with antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, antifungals, anti-inflammatories, antivirals, herbs and supplements used for AIDS, herbs and supplements used for asthma, herbs and supplements used for seizures, herbs and supplements that may affect the immune system, herbs and supplements used for the liver, herbs and supplements used for the skin, and neurologic agents.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. 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. View Abstract

2. 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. View Abstract

3. Göring 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. View Abstract

4. 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. View Abstract

5. Iseki M, Aoyama T, Koizumi Y, et al. [Effects of transfer factor on chronic hepatitis B in childhood]. Kansenshōgaku Zasshi. The Journal Of The Japanese Association For Infectious Diseases [Kansenshogaku Zasshi] 1989;63 (12):1329-32. View Abstract

6. 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. View Abstract

7. Metzner G, Fricke HJ, Schröder 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. View Abstract

8. 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 Società Italiana Di Biologia Sperimentale [Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper] 1987;63(11): 1051-8. View Abstract

9. 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. View Abstract

10. Paganelli R, Soothill JF, Marshall WC, et al. Transfer factor and cytomegalovirus viruia. Lancet 1981;8214:273-4). View Abstract

11. 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. View Abstract

12. 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. View Abstract

13. Simko M, Mokrán V, Nyulassy S. [Immunomodulatory therapy of epilepsy with transfer factor]. Bratisl Lek Listy 1997; 98(4):234-7. View Abstract

14. Valdés Sánchez AF, Fernández Ortega C, Gómez Echeverría AH, et al. [Atopic dermatitis. Treatment with transfer factor. A controlled clinical trial]. Rev Alerg 1991;38(6):158-62). View Abstract

15. Wagner G, Knapp W, Gitsch E, et al. Transfer factor for adjuvant immunotherapy in cervical cancer. Cancer Detect Prev Suppl 1987;1:373-6. View Abstract