Transfer factor therapy in ataxia--telangiectasia.
The effects of weekly doses of transfer factor in four patients with ataxia--telangiectasia were investigated following a total course of 2 months therapy. Transfer factor administration showed no influence on the absolute lymphocyte counts, T-cell rosettes or antibody titres to EBV, but it caused conversion of skin-test reactivity and production of MIF to various antigens. There was a dissociation in blastic transformation response, the skin-test responses and MIF production. Serum interferon levels were low before, and 2, 6 and 24 hr after, therapy. Clinically no improvement in infections was observed following transfer factor therapy.
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D001260:Ataxia Telangiectasia / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D004854:Herpesvirus 4, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008297:Male; D012882:Skin Tests; D014165:Transfer Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors; D014165:Transfer Factor; D007372:Interferons