TRANSFER FACTOR Meaning and
Definition
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Transfer factor is a term that refers to a class of molecules that play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to recognize and respond to foreign substances, such as pathogens or cancer cells. These molecules are naturally produced by immune cells, particularly a type of white blood cell called T cells.
The primary function of transfer factors is to facilitate communication between different immune cells, thereby enhancing the immune response. They are responsible for transferring crucial information about specific pathogens or antigens from infected cells to other immune cells, enabling them to recognize and mount an appropriate immune response against the same pathogen. In other words, transfer factors act as messengers within the immune system, providing important information that educates and activates other immune cells.
Transfer factors are capable of transferring immune system memory from one individual to another. This means that they can pass on acquired immunity against specific pathogens, allowing the recipient to have a strong defense against those pathogens without prior exposure. This unique ability has led to the use of transfer factors as a therapeutic approach in conditions where the immune system is compromised or needs an extra boost.
In summary, transfer factors are key molecules involved in immune system communication and memory. They enable the immune system to understand and respond effectively to specific pathogens, enhancing the body's ability to fight off infections and diseases.
Common Misspellings for TRANSFER FACTOR
- rransfer factor
- fransfer factor
- gransfer factor
- yransfer factor
- 6ransfer factor
- 5ransfer factor
- teansfer factor
- tdansfer factor
- tfansfer factor
- ttansfer factor
- t5ansfer factor
- t4ansfer factor
- trznsfer factor
- trsnsfer factor
- trwnsfer factor
- trqnsfer factor
- trabsfer factor
- tramsfer factor
- trajsfer factor
- trahsfer factor
Etymology of TRANSFER FACTOR
The term "Transfer Factor" has its roots in the field of immunology. It originated from the Latin word "transferre", meaning "to transfer" or "to convey", and the word "factor", referring to a component or agent. In this context, "transfer factor" describes a substance that can be transferred or conveyed from one organism to another to provide immune knowledge or memory.
The concept of transfer factors was first introduced in the 1940s by Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence, an immunologist. He observed that immune information can be transferred from one individual to another, thus enhancing the recipient's immune response. Initially, this phenomenon was described as "transferring delayed hypersensitivity". However, in 1955, Dr. Lawrence coined the term "transfer factor" to better describe the substances responsible for transferring immune knowledge.
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