transfaktoren

transFaktoren, often written transFaktoren or Transfer factors, is a term used in immunology and sometimes in alternative medicine to denote small immune-regulatory molecules derived from leukocytes that are claimed to transfer cell-mediated immunity from a donor to a recipient. The concept posits that these factors can convey antigen-specific immune information and modulate T-cell responses.

Production and composition: Transfaktoren are typically obtained from dialysates of leukocytes from immune individuals or animals. The material is processed to remove cells and larger proteins, yielding a low-molecular-weight fraction that may be administered orally, subcutaneously, or by other routes. The exact chemical nature of transfaktoren is not well defined, and products vary widely, which complicates interpretation of results.

Proposed mechanism: Early hypotheses suggested that transfaktoren could transfer delayed-type hypersensitivity or T-helper cell information, thereby modulating adaptive immunity. Modern explanations focus on immunomodulatory peptides or fragments that influence cytokine profiles. However, the precise mechanisms remain unclear, and results across studies are inconsistent.

Clinical use and regulation: In mainstream medicine, transfaktoren are not considered a standard treatment for any disease. Some products are marketed as dietary supplements with claims of immune support, but regulatory agencies generally require robust evidence of efficacy and safety. High-quality randomized trials are scarce, and many studies suffer from small size and heterogeneity.

Current status: The concept persists in some research and alternative-medicine contexts but faces significant skepticism due to lack of reproducible evidence and concerns about product quality and safety. Ongoing research seeks to clarify whether any clinically meaningful effects exist and to identify well-defined, standardized preparations.

See also: Transfer factor; Transcription factor.