Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence discovered that an immune response could be transferred
from a donor to a recipient by injecting an extract of leucocytes.6 The
extract was postulated to contain a factor capable of transferring the donor's
immunity to the recipient. Lawrence called this substance transfer factor,
the term now used by scientists.
Thousands of papers have been published on the use of transfer factors. Early on, results were erratic--everything from a complete and miraculous cure to a complete and total failure could be expected. The promise of transfer factor as the answer to all our immunological problems seemed too good to be true. A number of conditions were working against scientists that were exploring the potential of transfer factor. Three of these conditions are especially noteworthy: 1) complexity, 2) quality control, and 3) conventional bias.
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Transfer factor extracts are complex, containing an estimated 200 or more individual transfer factors; not a single chemical entity like a standard pharmaceutical drug. Just as in nature, synergy between parts is the key. Separating natural products into their individual components often diminishes either efficacy (as in the case of St. John's wort and hypericum) or safety (as in the case of foxglove and digitalis). This may also be true for transfer factors. Indicative of this is the recent discovery of two, new, potent, transfer factor molecules, IMREG I and IMREG II.17 Each of these molecules has its own specific function and purpose in a balanced immune system.
The second hurdle that had to be overcome was one of quality control. No reliable assay was available to test whether the extract was properly prepared. This problem was overcome by Wilson and Fudenberg, who were issued a patent for their discovery.18
The third issue is a matter of intellectual bias, often seen when a new concept or discovery is introduced. The idea of transfer factors simply flies in the face of conventional immunology. We could draw a parallel between medieval biases and those of today. In the 14th century, the Black Plague killed a quarter of the European population.19 Attempts to deal with the Plague were blocked by superstitious adherence to conventional beliefs. Similarly, the progress of transfer factor research has been inhibited by the conventional dogmas of immunology. Even now this bias stifles progress that could be made in critical areas. In a recent international symposium on transfer factors, Dr. D. Viza stated,
At the end of the 20th century, the triumph of biology is indisputable. . . . However, the triumph of biological science is far from being complete. The toll of several diseases, such as cancer, continues to rise and the pathogenesis of AIDS remains elusive.
In the realm
of inductive science, the dominant paradigm can seldom be challenged in
a frontal attack, especially when it is apparently successful, and only
what Kuhn calls 'scientific
revolutions' can overthrow it. Thus, it is hardly surprising that the concept
of transfer factor is considered with contempt . . . [since] its putative
mode of action contravenes dogmas of both immunology and molecular biology.
And when facts challenge established dogmas, be [it] in religion, philosophy
or science, they must be suppressed . . . because they challenge the prevalent
paradigm. However, when observations pertain to lethal disorders, their
suppression in the name of dogmas may become criminal. Because of the failure
of medical science to manage the AIDS pandemic, transfer factor, which has
been successfully used for treating or preventing viral infections, may
today overcome a priori prejudice and rejection more swiftly.20
Emerging strains of new, antibiotic-resistant "super-bugs" are a global
problem.8 Over a dozen new food borne pathogens have been identified in
the last twenty years.10 The American Society for Microbiology lamented
that the spirit of cooperation and trust needed to deal with these problems
appears to be lacking.21
Just as clear evidence suggested a solution in dealing with the Black Plague, so too clear evidence indicates a potential solution to our modern plagues. We must take individual responsibility for our own health by strengthening our immune systems. This is the most critical health issue we face and transfer factor can play a major role in maintaining our immediate and long-term health.
