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Transfer factor — Current status and future prospects

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Biotherapy

Abstract

We have detected new clues to the composition and function of “Transfer Factor” using the direct Leucocyte Migration Inhibition (LMI) test as an in vitro assay of Dialysates of Leucocyte Extracts (DLE). This approach has revealed two opposing antigen-specific activities to be present in the same >3500 <12,000 DA dialysis fraction — one activity is possessed of Inducer/Helper function (Inducer Factor). The opposing activity is possessed of Suppressor function (Suppressor Factor).

When non-immune leucocyte populations are cultured with Inducer Factor they acquire the capacity to respond to specific antigen and inhibition of migration occurs. This conversion to reactivity is antigen- specific and dose-dependent. When immune leucocyte populations are cultured with Suppressor Factor their response to specific antigen is blocked and Inhibition of Migration is prevented.

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Abbreviations

DLE:

dialysable leucocyte extracts

LMI:

leucocyte migration inhibition test

TF:

transfer factor

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Infectious Disease and Immunology Division, Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, New York University Medical Center, 550 First Avenue, 10016, New York, NY, USA

    H. Sherwood Lawrence & William Borkowsky

Authors
  1. H. Sherwood Lawrence
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  2. William Borkowsky
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Lawrence, H.S., Borkowsky, W. Transfer factor — Current status and future prospects. Biotherapy 9, 1–5 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02628649

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