Transfer factor
Transfer factor
Transfer factor (pronounced: trans-fer fac-tor) is a type of molecule found in the immune cells of humans and other animals. It is believed to play a crucial role in the immune response by transferring immune knowledge from one cell to another, hence the name "transfer factor".
Etymology
The term "transfer factor" was coined in the mid-20th century when scientists first discovered these molecules. The word "transfer" comes from the Latin "trans-" meaning "across" and "ferre" meaning "to carry". The word "factor" is derived from the Latin "factor" meaning "doer or maker". Thus, "transfer factor" can be interpreted as "a doer or maker that carries across".
Function
Transfer factors are small protein molecules produced by immune cells called T lymphocytes. They are part of the body's adaptive immune system, which learns and remembers past infections to provide future immunity. Transfer factors carry information from immune cells that have encountered a specific pathogen to naive immune cells, effectively teaching them how to respond to that pathogen.
Related Terms
- Immune system: The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders. It is made up of a network of cells, tissues, and organs.
- T lymphocytes: A type of white blood cell that is of key importance to the immune system and is at the core of adaptive immunity, the system that tailors the body's immune response to specific pathogens.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Adaptive immune system: The part of the immune system that learns and remembers past infections to provide future immunity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Transfer factor
- Wikipedia's article - Transfer factor
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