Transfer factor

[3] A second use of the term transfer factor applies to a likely different entity [4] derived from cow colostrum or chicken egg yolk which is marketed as an oral dietary supplement under the same name citing claims of benefit to the immune system.

With the eventual discovery of HIV/AIDS as an additional blood-borne disease most researchers viewed a product derived from blood as an unsafe treatment since screening for hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS would not be developed until after 1985.

[10] Studies on cellular transfer factor have involved mostly animal models and small human clinical trials.

HPLC studies suggest that a common part in them (at least between those targeted to different antigens, produced by mice and cattles) is the fragment LLYAQD[LV]EDN, a sequence not found in any mammalian genomes.

A trial investigating its ability to immunize children with leukemia against shingles showed promise in a small number of patients, but represents only one of two placebo-controlled studies.

[4] When human- and bovine-derived transfer factor are generated from blood cells[3][18] they carry the potential for blood-borne disease such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. Colostrum is a form of milk produced by the mammary glands of mammals (including humans) in late pregnancy.

Colostrum also contains multiple immune modulating molecules, including high antibody levels.

[19] Based on studies noting an overlap in the observed in vitro effects between a molecule contained in colostrum called colostrinin and the dialyzable leukocyte extract mentioned above, a hypothesis formed that the two were the same.

[20] There has been no recent research investigations comparing the two entities and thus there is no verifiable evidence that either colostrum or egg whites do or do not contain the cellular product that shares the name transfer factor.

[4][21][22] The United States Food and Drug Administration regulates transfer factors as a dietary supplement[21] and has issued a warning notice to a website selling transfer factors that they have not been proven to be effective or safe in the treatment of any condition, nor have there been any biological licenses or New Drug Applications produced for the substance.