Transfer factors: identification of conserved sequences in transfer factor molecules

BACKGROUND

Transfer factors are small proteins that "transfer" the ability to express cell-mediated immunity from immune donors to non-immune recipients. We developed a process for purifying specific transfer factors to apparent homogeneity. This allowed us to separate individual transfer factors from mixtures containing several transfer factors and to demonstrate the antigen-specificity of transfer factors. Transfer factors have been shown to be an effective means for correction of deficient cellular immunity in patients with opportunistic infections, such as candidiasis or recurrent Herpes simplex and to provide prophylactic immunity against varicella-zoster in patients with acute leukemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Transfer factors of bovine and murine origin were purified by affinity chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Cyanogen bromide digests were sequenced. The properties of an apparently conserved sequence on expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity by transfer factor recipients were assessed.

RESULTS

A novel amino acid sequence, LLYAQDL/VEDN, was identified in each of seven transfer factor preparations. These peptides would not transfer expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity to recipients, which indicates that they are not sufficient for expression of the specificity or immunological properties of native transfer factors. However, administration of the peptides to recipients of native transfer factors blocked expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity by the recipients. The peptides were not immunosuppressive.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the peptides may represent the portion of transfer factors that binds to the "target cells" for transfer factors. Identification of these cells will be helpful in defining the mechanisms of action of transfer factors.

[The isolation of a transfer factor of the delayed-hypersensitivity type to the antigenic substances of Staphylococcus aureus in guinea pigs]

Immunoactivating effects of guinea pig's staphylococcal Transfer factor (TF) were studied in homologous and heterologous (human leukocytes) systems. In vivo (skin tests) and in vitro (Inhibition of leukocytes migration) tests showed that our TF is able to activate intact as well as sensibilized cells. Antigen-specific properties of TF also were showed.

Isolation and purification of HSV-1 specific transfer factor produced by HSV-1 immunized goat leukocyte dialysate

A herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-specific transfer factor (TF), was separated and purified from the leukocyte dialysate of goats immunized with HSV-1 using affinity chromatography on antigen-sorbent and reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). The antigen-specific activities of the starting dialysate and the isolated TF component (s) were examined by 51Cr-labelled leukocyte adherence inhibition (51Cr LAI) assay. The analytical hydrophobic interaction HPLC (HI-HPLC) and isoelectric focusing (IEF) techniques were employed to evaluate the purity and the isoelectric point (PI) of isolated TF component(s). The experiments provided a two-step procedure for purifying the TF material from the starting dialysate. It seems that the purified active TF component (PTFC) was specific for HSV-1. The specific PTFC activity was increased 10,000-fold as compared with the activity of the dialysate. The active moiety appeared as a single band in the IEF gel as demonstrated by silver staining; it was hydrophilic and its PI was pH 4.48.

Purification of transfer factors

Transfer factor activities have been studied in both clinical and basic science settings for several decades. Until now, highly purified transfer factors that are suitable for molecular analysis have not been available. This has impeded progress towards understanding the molecular and cellular basis of the activities of these important inducers of cell-mediated immune responses. Murine transfer factors with specificities for chicken egg albumin or horse spleen ferritin were purified to virtual homogeneity using a combination of affinity chromatography and reversed-phase and polytypic high performance liquid chromatography (hplc). Transfer factors prepared by this methodology were recovered in high yield and in biologically-active, antigen-specific forms. The purified materials were further analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, chromatographic methods and an in vivo assay for immunological activity. For the first time definitions for unit transfer factor activity and specific activity are introduced. The results of these experiments indicate that transfer factors are a family of highly polar, hydrophilic molecules of low molecular weight (approximately 5,000) which are produced in small quantities by lymphoid cells and which have potent biological activity. The availability of purified transfer factors should facilitate definitive studies into the nature and mechanisms of production and action of these molecules.

[Delayed hypersensitivity to the antigens of the herpes simplex virus and herpetic resistance induced in mice by the administration of xenogeneic lymphocytic ultrafiltrates]

Experiments on mice have shown that ultrafiltrates, prepared from lymphocytes obtained from the spleen of horses immunized with herpes vaccine and from human tonsils, contain herpes-specific transfer factor inducing delayed hypersensitivity. The antiherpetic resistance of mice has been found to achieve its maximum if herpes simplex antigens are introduced after the injection of the preparation of transfer factor.

Transfer factor therapy of thoracic sarcoidosis

The authors repeatedly treated 59 patients with thoracic sarcoidosis with transfer factor (TF) since 1976. They utilized this therapy with TF from human tonsil lymphocytes (TFh) on account of the ineffectiveness of the corticosteroid treatment, because of the side effects of the corticosteroids, and as primary TF therapy, and to test an animal TF preparation from pig tonsil lymphocytes (TFp). In their observations only fraction II of the dialysable leukocyte extract was sufficient. Differences in the effectiveness between TFh and TFp do not exist on the whole. Our conclusion is that TF can stimulate the immunosystem of the patients, and can be an important mode of treatment. The mode of action is not clear.

Adult chronic granulomatosis disease-like neutrophil granulocyte disorder corrected by dialysable leukocyte extract

A 47 year old female presented with a septic clinical picture including fever, abscesses, late cachexia, and unmanageable by disease. Similar characteristics to chronic granulomatosis disease (CGD) seriously decreased intracellular killing activity and chemiluminescence, granulomas in the histology, and the role of genetic factors were found, suggesting that our case is CGD-like disorder, manifested in an adult. Dialysable leukocyte extract (DLE) therapy, complemented with fresh normal plasma, resulted in a striking clinical improvement and there was an increase in the in vitro PMNL intracellular killing activity, too. Although it is generally accepted that DLE derives from monocytes and lymphocytes, it is possible that DLE is a family of DNA-oligopeptide molecules, including factors derived from PMNLs which are capable of influencing PMNL function, transferring information from normal cells. Our results also suggest that it would be worth trying DLE in patients with classic CGD.

De novo initiation of specific cell-mediated immune responsiveness in chickens by transfer factor (specific immunity inducer) obtained from bovine colostrum and milk

Transfer factors (TF) were prepared from colostrum and milk of bovines previously immunized with antigens obtained from Coccidioides immitis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, or from the viral agents responsible for avian Newcastle disease, laryngotracheitis disease or infectious bursal disease. The ability of bovine TF to transfer specific cell-mediated immune responsiveness to a markedly xenogenic species was studied using specific pathogen free (SPF) and standard commercial (SC) chickens as model recipients. Cell-mediated immune responsiveness was documented using one or more of the following for each antigen (organism) studied: (a) an in vitro chicken leukocyte (heterophil) migration inhibition assay; (b) delayed-wattle reactivity; or (c) protection from clinical disease. Chicken TFs obtained from spleens of immune donors were evaluated in parallel to bovine TF's in selected comparative studies. Bovine TF also referred to as specific immunity inducer (SII), and chicken TF were found to initiate antigen-specific cell-mediated immunity de novo in previously non-immune SPF chickens as well as in SC chickens despite the presence of maternally acquired humoral antibody which may serve as a "barrier" to immunization of SC chickens when commercially available vaccines are administered by parenteral routes. Bovine TF's specific for laryngotracheitis virus or infectious bursal disease virus afforded protection equal to that found for commercially available vaccines. Bovine TF's action was rapid (less than a day) and of relatively long duration at least 35 days.

Chromatographic and enzymatic effects on transfer factor-like activity from human leukocytes and porcine spleen dialysate

1. The effect of dialysable transfer factor (TFd), derived from human leukocytes or porcine spleen cells, was measured using Listeria resistance in mice. 2. The molecular weight range of substance(s) containing TF-like activity is in the less than 3500 MW dialysis fraction on the basis of the capacity of peritoneal macrophages to produce superoxide anion (O2-). This biological activity is removed by heating at 56 degrees C. 3. After Sephadex G-10 chromatography of dialysates the significant activities are found in fractions III and IV of human leukocyte dialysate and in fractions of II and III of porcine spleen dialysate. 4. From enzymatic studies, most of the protective activity of both human leukocyte and porcine spleen dialysate is based on the action of small-molecular weight structures containing peptides and/or polynucleotides.

[Ultrafiltration characteristics of immunobiological preparations]

The removal of ammonium sulfate from the bulk product of fermented antitoxic serum by continuous diafiltration was not accompanied by changes in the stability of the solution. To concentrate immunoglobulin, eluted from DEAE cellulose, by diafiltration, the stabilization of the solution by adding sodium chloride at high concentration was necessary. The use of membranes purchased from different manufacturers and having similar selectivity characteristics permitted obtaining transfer factor preparations somewhat differing in their biological activity. The process of ultrafiltration, carried out in the atmosphere of compressed carbon dioxide, made it possible to obtain such preparations from donor blood plasma.

[Studies of an assay system for dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE)--influence of DLE on leukocyte migration inhibition test by HBsAg]

In order to examine the suitability of leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) in the capacity of in vitro assay system for dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE), the effect of DLE on hepatitis B and its antigen-specificity, the migration inhibitory activities to purified hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was measured using the leukocyte MIF test with DLEs obtained from HBsAb-positive or HBsAb-negative blood. The direct LMIT using agarose plate was modified according to the technique of Clausen et al. In spite of our assay system was dose-dependent for PPD, a significant response for purified HBsAg was not observed. However, some meaningful migration inhibition appeared when HBsAg and DLE were added simultaneously to the migration cells. From these results, it is concluded that DLE has antigen-specific and/or antigen non specific influences to the cell-mediated immunity for HBsAg Though some problems remain, we think our results are interesting, since the assay system for DLE has not been established and our study is closely related to the effect of DLE concerning hepatitis B.

Effect of human leukocyte and other tissue dialysates on Listeria resistance and phagocytosis in mice

The effect of dialyzable transfer factor (TFd) on Listeria resistance was measured by survival studies and by assessing phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages. Unfractionated dialysates from human leukocytes (DLE), bovine liver, porcine spleen and kidney as well as saline were injected i.p. into NMRI mice 72 h before the i.p. injection of 1-3 x 10(6) Listeria organisms. The results show that DLE, porcine spleen and bovine liver dialysate increased the LD50 5-20 times. Porcine kidney dialysate had no effect on the survival of the mice. After the fractionation of porcine spleen dialysate on Sephadex G-10 column, a significant activity was found in two fractions, II and IX. When active fractions were given together (II + IX) i.p. three days prior to the infection with listeria organisms, the survival of mice increased significantly, whereas no effect was seen when the fractions were given i.v. and the bacteria i.p. Also the treatment with active fractions increased significantly the phagocytic capacity of peritoneal macrophages. Taken together, our results suggest that the Listeria protective substances seem to operate via monocyte activation.

Effect of long-term therapy with transfer factor in rheumatoid arthritis

Specific immunotherapy with transfer factor (TF) was used in a chronic experiment in a group of 50 female patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stage I-III. The patients were followed up for 24 months, clinical and biologic examinations being repeated every 3 months. In this period the patients received beside the basic nonsteroid antiinflammatory therapy, one unit TF every week over a period of 6 months then one until TF every month (10 patients) to the end of experiment. Of the 50 patients 15 (30%) did not respond to the therapy and the experiments had to be interrupted after 6 months. Excellent, very good and good results were obtained in 35 patients (70%). In 12 patients the response was good but the dose of TF had to be increased to two units/week in the first 6 months. In 13 patients the results obtained were very good and therapy with nonsteroid products + TF was continued even after the first 6 months. In 10 patients with RA stage I the results obtained were excellent and after 6 months the nonsteroid therapy could be interrupted and the therapy was continued only with one unit TF every month. The study confirmed the fact that specific immunotherapy with TF represents an important adjuvant in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

UV-absorbance profile of human leukocytic ultrafiltrate after affinity chromatography on immobilized m-aminophenyl boronic acid: implication for transfer factor purification

The UV-absorbance of the lysed human leukocyte ultrafiltrate (LLU) was investigated by Sephadex G-15 gel permeation chromatography before and after affinity chromatography on immobilized m-aminophenyl boronic acid. This biospecific fractionation caused substantial changes in 260/280-nm absorbance ratio of individual peaks as revealed by Sephadex G-15 gel permeation chromatography. While the material which had passed through the affinity support unretarded (W) appeared to be partly or completely deprived of peak IV, peaks IV and V were fairly enriched in the retarded material (R). This material, on the other hand, nearly completely missed peaks III, VI and VII. Peak III was copiously represented in material W. Boronate affinity chromatography caused enrichment in the protein content as well as in the content of purine/pyrimidine-bound ribose of material R, i.e. cis-diol group containing (RNA-like) material, considered to represent functional transfer factor activity. The described findings further support the use of immobilized derivatives of boronic acid in the separation of coplanar cis-diol group containing compounds from other constituents of LLU.

Transfer of osteosarcoma-specific cell-mediated immunity in hamsters by rabbit dialyzable leukocyte extracts

We have investigated the transfer of specific cell-mediated immunity (CMI) to osteosarcoma-associated antigens (OSAA) to hamsters with dialyzable leukocyte extracts (DLE) from OSAA-immunized rabbits. The transfer of specific CMI was determined by leukocyte adherence inhibition (LAI) assay and skin testing. DLE was prepared from rabbits immunized with OSAA, purified protein derivative (PPD), or fibrosarcoma cell plasma membrane preparation (FSM). Control DLE was prepared from rabbits injected with 0.85% NaCl. Significant leukocyte adherence inhibition was observed with leukocytes from hamsters that had received OSAA-specific, PPD-specific, and FSM-specific rabbit DLE, when OSAA, PPD, and FSM were used as antigens, respectively. Similarly, significant ear swelling after injection of OSAA, PPD, or FSM was observed only in hamsters that had received DLE from rabbits immunized with OSAA, PPD, or FSM, respectively. These results suggest that CMI specific for OSAA, PPD, or FSM can be transferred to normal hamsters by DLE from immunized rabbits.

Antigen-specific transfer factor from mice immunized with an attenuated flavivirus: augmentation of inducing activity in semipurified splenocytic dialyzates

Three large batches were prepared of lyzed splenocytic leukocyte dialyzate from SPF outbred mice, immunized with a live attenuated virus from the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex. Total mass of freeze-dried dialyzates was 1.73 g. One mg of respective batches contained 2 X 10(5), 2 X 10(4) and 2 X 10(3) units of the transfer factor, specific for the flavivirus group-antigen, as estimated according to the capacity to induce specifically cytotoxic T-cells in the recipient C3H mice. The amount of protein and orcinol-reactive material (purine-bound ribose), the presumed components of the inducer's substrate, ranged in individual dialyzates from 9.9-12.4 and 0.72-0.80% of their dry mass. Materials from each batch obtained after double precipitation by ethanol were subjected to permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-25 columns and subsequent lyophilization of the peak with specific inducing activity. The final product represented on average 3.7 per cent of dry mass of the starting material. In comparison to the crude material, in one mg of the final product the protein and the orcinol-reactive material were reduced by 80 and 37 per cent, respectively, but an increment in the antigen-specific inducing capacity comprising 2-3 log10 units was observed. These findings add to the concept that a) macromolecules carrying the inducing activity can be separated from other constituents of the crude dialyzate and b) an increase in antigen-specific inducing activity titre was, besides partial concentration, mainly due to removal of suppressor or inhibitory factor(s) present in the crude dialysates and probably acting in vivo.

Transfer factor--a lymphocyte cell surface component

An attempt was made to locate the biologically active component of the DLE in lymphocytes. The test was based on the recovery of sheep cell-rosetting capacity in trypsinized human lymphocytes (recovery assay). Comparisons of the extract from trypsinized leukocytes and the leukocyte supernatant (after trypsination ) yielded the following results: The peptide fraction detached from the cell surface by trypsin (30 min with 0.5 g trypsin/l at 37 degrees C) accounts for most of the TF activity of the whole lymphocytes. Of the two TF activities (fractions II and III), fraction III obviously stems from the cell interior because it cannot be liberated by trypsin. Fraction III is characterized by an unusually high UV absorption quotient (A 260/280), probably due to a large nucleotide content. Trypsination leads to the biologically active TF fraction going into the supernatant. Fraction II consists almost entirely of cell surface peptides. It is relatively easy to separate it cleanly, and it has a high level of biological activity (1 microgram/ml is still detectable).

A comparison of the effects of dialysed and non-dialysed transfer factor preparations on Haemonchus contortus infections in young lambs

Significant reductions in worm burdens were achieved in lambs treated with dialysed transfer factor and challenged with 10,000 Haemonchus contortus larvae, when compared with challenged control animals. Non-dialysed transfer factor, from the same leucocyte pool, produced no protection, but was successful in reducing worm burdens when given after a primary infection of 1,000 H. contortus larvae with subsequent challenge of 10,000 larvae. While the results confirmed the previously reported inconsistencies of transfer factor activity, the histological abomasal changes in all the dialysed and non-dialysed transfer factor treated groups, irrespective of measurable effects on worm burdens, were consistent and corresponded to immediate type hypersensitivity responses. The similarity of these responses with self cure in haemonchosis and the possibility of genetic factors influencing the quantitative expression of protection to the effects of transfer factor treatments is discussed.

Concentration of murine antigen-specific transfer factor of defined potency

Dialysates containing transfer factor (TF) activity were prepared from lyzed splenic cells of SPF mice immunized with live, peripherally avirulent Langat virus (TP21 E5 "14" clone) from the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) complex. The amount of TF was estimated by its capacity to generate in recipient inbred C3H mice cytotoxic T lymphocytes inducing lysis of TBE virus-infected target cells as demonstrated by 51Cr--release assay. A 100 to 1000-fold concentration of TF activity was achieved by combination of the two-step ethanol precipitation of crude dialysates with subsequent fractionation on Sephadex G-25 by exclusion chromatography. Materials from individual concentration steps showed reduced amounts of admixtures, as revealed by absorbance profiles of their chromatograms. In the final product the protein content was most decreased.

In vitro determination of effects of dialyzable leukocyte extracts containing transfer factor activity

The studies for determining the effects of dialyzable leukocyte extracts (transfer factor) as reflected in recovery of E-rosetting capacity in trypsinised lymphocytes (recovery-assay) suggested the following: 1. Dialyzable leukocyte extracts contain an inhibitor with a molecular weight of about 5000 (fraction I). 2. This inhibitor considerably affects the immunologic activity of both whole preparations and their different fractions during the in vitro activity assay. 3. The inhibitor fraction that fails to respond to the "recovery-assay" (less than 5%) responds very actively to the test after inactivation (45 min/57 degrees C). 4. Therefore, activation assays performed on the total preparation after inactivation involve a considerable error. 5. Immunological activity is concentrated in fractions III and IV. Only fraction III activity can be reduced considerably by inactivation. Fraction II activity is induced by incomplete separation from fraction III. Fraction IV cannot be inactivated. 6. In the case of transfer factor preparations (without inhibitor fractions) activity increases almost in direct proportion to the concentration up to about 30 micrograms. 7. Since the "recovery-assay" also responds to substances with no immunologic activity, its use can be justified in the case of fraction III. The activity is then the difference between the native and the inactivated forms. 8. A corresponding review of methods (such as LTT, migration inhibition test, skin test, etc.) currently used for activity assays seems advisable.

The effects of dialyzable products from human leukocyte extracts on cutaneous delayed-hypersensitivity response

Fractions from human whole leukocyte lysates were prepared by sequential double dialysis against membranes with cut-offs of m.w. 12,000 and 3500, and by elution chromatography on Sephadex G-10. The effect of localized intracutaneous implantation of fractions with m.w. less than 3500 was studied. Two types of response were obtained: 1) the amplification of response to antigen to which the donor had preexisting immunity, and 2) the induction of inflammatory response histologically resembling delayed hypersensitivity in the absence of added antigen. The substances mediating these responses could be separated into unique components by use of a long (1 x 150 cm) G-10 column, or by hydroxylapatite chromatography. The active principles were derived from leukocyte extracts (as demonstrated by their absence from autologous RBC extracts prepared by identical methodology), and the histopathologic appearances after intracutaneous implantation were compatible with those of a delayed-hypersensitivity response. No evidence of transfer of antigen-specific information from a sensitive donor to a nonsensitive recipient was obtained under the conditions of study.

Transfer factor: a murine model

Transfer factor has been studied extensively in humans, but a satisfactory subprimate model has not been established. Using BALB/c mice immunized with complete Freund adjuvant, we show that a low-molecular-weight substance derived from disrupted spleen cells transferred sensitivity to purified protein derivative (PPD) to recipient nonimmunized BALB/c mice. Transfer was confirmed by footpad swelling to PPD in vivo and by splenic lymphocyte transformation to PPD in vitro. In recipients of transfer factor, an inverse correlation was noted between the splenic lymphocyte response to PPD and to concanavalin A. Material obtained from spleens of saline-treated BALB/c mice did not transfer sensitivity to PPD to recipient mice.

Transfer factor

The understanding of passive transfer of cell mediated-immune responses with transfer factor and other cell free materials has progressed to the point that investigators are seeking the chemical identity of the molecule(s) that are responsible for these effects and are working on their mechanisms of action. In addition, clinical trials are underway that should clarify the potential for use of transfer factor in treatment of infections, neoplastic and autoimmune diseases. This chapter will critically review the past and current data concerning the components of transfer factor and their effects on immunologic and inflammatory reactions. Some of the recently developed animal models will be described and evaluated, and the clinical studies that have provided conclusive data regarding efficacy will be reviewed.

Mononuclear cells contain human transfer factor as assayed locally on the skin of dogs

We prepared transfer factor from mononuclear (M) cells and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells by sieving cell lysates through a P-2 Biogel column. By assaying column fractions by their ability to induce a local delayed-type reaction to antigen in canine skin, we determined that mononuclear cells most consistently contained skin activity. The elution patterns from P-2 Biogel of PMN or M-enriched preparations were less complex and much different from that seen with whole leukocytes.

[A new approach to immunotherapy: the transfer factor]

The transfer factor is a tiny molecule capable of transferring the function of the T lymphocytes (immunological memory and retarded hypersensitivity) from a sensitized to a non-sensitized individual. The exact structure and action modalities of the molecule have not yet been precisely established. The difficulties involved in the study of the transfer factor are aggravated by the lack of any suitable experimental model. The attention of immunologists is attracted by this factor which opens up new prospects for the treatment of cancer, immunological deficiencies and certain infectious and autoimmune diseases. More profound research would appear useful to evaluate if and in what cases a potentiation of the immune mechanism can represent an alternative to immunosuppression.

Human transfer factors: structural properties suggested by HPRP chromatography and enzymatic sensitivities

Leukocyte extracts containing human transfer factor (TF) were fractionated by exclusion chromatography, and the active fraction (Sephadex G25, Fraction IIIa) was subjected to high pressure, reverse phase (HPRP) chromatography and enzymatic degradation. TF activity was assessed by the systemic transfer of dermal skin test reactivity from KLH-immunized donors to naive recipients. Preparative HPRP chromatography resolved Fraction IIIa into multiple chromophoric regions, two of which demonstrated transfer of KLH reactivity. Alkaline phosphatase treatment of Fraction IIIa converted the major ultraviolet-absorbing component, 5'-inosine monophosphate, to inosine and resulted in TF activity being restricted to one region. This HPRP region (R1A) contained less than 1% of the UV254 active material in Fraction IIIa but greater than 90% of the reactivity. The sensitivity of TF to pronase, proteinase K, phosphodiesterase I, and phosphodiesterase II was evaluated by inhibition of systemic transfer of KLH reactivity. Pronase and proteinase K destroyed systemic transfer activity and the pronase destruction could be inhibited with traysylol. Phosphodiesterase I, a 3' exonuclease, destroyed activity, whereas phosphodiesterase II, a 5' exonuclease, did not. The data are consistent with a phosphodiester-containing polypeptide in the structure of human TF for KLH reactivity.

[Transfer of cellular immunity to the causative agent of coccidioidosis using the transfer factor in mice]

Experiments conducted on non-linear mice demonstrated a possibility of transfer by the intact recipient of delayed hypersensitivity by means of Lawrence'transfer-factor from mice immunized with Coccidioides immitis. The transfer factor administered 48 hours before the intranasal infection protected mice from the lethal dose of coccidioides. This indicated that in coccidioidosis it was possible to transfer delayed hypersensitivity and cellular immunity with the transfer factor.

Transfer factor and possible applications in gynecology

Dialyzable transfer factor (TFd) is reviewed against its historical background, preparation methods, physiochemical properties, possible mechanisms of action, pharmacology, and clinical studies, including several areas relating to gynecology. The possible role of TFd as an adjunct in the treatment of cancer is discussed. The discussion centers on gynecologic cancer in several patients who have received TFd. The difficulties and future possibilities for this modality of treatment are considered.

Transfer factor for the practicing allergist-immunologist

As continuing research elucidates the underlying mechanisms of immunological disease at the cellular level the need for the clinical allergist-immunologist to have available tools for the manipulation of cellular mechanics in the form of immunosuppression and immunostimulation becomes more apparent. An immunostimulant of perhaps wide application in the future is transfer factor derived from human lymphocytes. This presentation outlines in general the characteristics of transfer factor and a detailed method of production of transfer factor in a crude form is described. The procedure does not require specialized equipment and is simple enough so that interested clinical allergist-immunologists can produce transfer factor in their own laboratories and thus augment their armamentarium with an immunostimulant agent for use in selected cases.

Specificity and structural analysis of a guinea pig transfer factor-like activity

A transfer factor-like activity was prepared by Sephadex G-25 chromatography of immune guinea pig leukocyte lysates. This isolated material leads to antigen-dependent migration inhibition and thymidine uptake by nonimmune lymphoid cells. Tests of the "transfer factor" from guinea pigs immunized to either ovalbumin or bovine gamma-globulin demonstrated the donor specificity of the in vitro activity. The activity is susceptible to heat (56 degrees C), alkali (0.5 M sodium hydroxide), pronase, and phosphodiesterase. The pronase susceptibility is blocked by traysylol, a protease inhibitor; the phosphodiesterase susceptibility is not bocked by traysylol. The guinea pig factor was purified further by alkaline phosphatase treatment. Sephadex G-25 chromatography, and DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The final product, active in vitro, represents about 0.03% of the cellular material absorbing 260 nm light, and contains polymerized amines and phosphate. Gel electrophoresis of the fluram-reactive components suggests a limited heterogeneity of the DEAE-cellulose-purified material. These data are consistent with the active "transfer factor" molecule including both peptide and phosphate-containing components.

Human transfer factor prepared by dialysis, ultrafiltration and gel chromatography: biological activity in local transfer of skin sensitivity

Human transfer factor (TF) was prepared by a variety of methods including dialysis using cellophane tubing, ultrafiltration through a membrane of known pore size. Sephadex G25 chromatography or combinations of some of these methods. In general the various preparations when injected locally into human skin gave greater delayed-type responses than antigen (PPD or Candida) alone. The combination of either vacuum dialysis, or ultrafiltration, with G-25 chromatography gave as good or better TF activity when compared with unchromatographed materials. Since ultrafiltration and concentration is rapid procedure and eliminates the need for freeze-drying, in contrast to vacuum dialysis against water, these results indicate that ultrafiltration and G-25 chromatography provide a convenient method for preparing large batches of relatively pure TF from leucocyte extracts.

Transfer factor and cellular immune response in urinary tract infections in children

Cellular immune responses in vivo and in vitro were studied in 20 children with chronic or relapsing urinary tract infections. Skin tests revealed decreased immune responses to PPD in cases with chronic or recurrent pyelonephritis and to OM, in these cases and in cases of lower urinary tract infections. Blast transformation responses to PPD, OM and PHA were at least as high as in controls. Administration of chromatographically purified fraction from human leucocyte transfer factor resulted in a positive skin reaction with antigen concentration, which before TF administration had caused a negative reaction. The results suggest that the action of the transfer factor component used in this study is based on an immunologically nonspecific stimulation of the cellular immune response.

Transfer factor in chronic and recurrent respiratory tract infections in children

Five cases with abnormal sensitivity to respiratory tract infections are described. The cases showed a marked impairment in their cell mediated immunity state. Administration of a chromatographically purified transfer factor component increased the skin test sensitivity to common recall antigens. Interestingly, a similar effect in skin reactivity was observed with repeated skin tests alone, when antigen concentrations, initially high enough to cause a positive reaction, were used. Neither the administration of transfer factor nor skin testing with high antigen concentrations had an effect on blast transformation percentages. The therapy with chromatographically purified transfer factor appeared promising on the clinical condition of the patients.

Specific suppressor cells in rats with neonatally induced transplantation tolerance

The presence of suppressor cells was investigated in AVN rats bearing Lewis skin grafts of long standing after neonatal induction of transplantation tolerance. Pooled spleen cells from tolerant rats transferred to sublethally irradiated syngeneic recipients prolonged significantly and specifically the survival of skin allografts. Also, the factor present in the medium after cocultivation of lymphocytes from tolerant rats with Lewis antigens was effective.