Synopsis
In the second edition of his book, Aaron White takes readers on a tour of research on transfer factors, peptides found in pre-milk (colostrum) and white blood cells. While antibodies help the immune system target pathogens floating in blood and lymph, transfer factors are hypothesized to support cell-mediated immunity by helping the body locate pathogens hiding inside of cells, beyond the reach of antibodies. Cell-mediated immunity also plays a central role in suppressing and destroying cancer cells. This book explores 60 years of scientific research on these mysterious molecules, beginning with the discovery in 1949 by distinguished immunologist, H Sherwood Lawrence, that extracts from white blood cells could transfer delayed-type (cell-mediated) immune responses from patients with tuberculosis to patients without. Evidence collected since suggests that these immune components, which Dr. Lawrence called "transfer factor" because of their ability to transfer an immune response, are generated by white blood cells while fighting infections and are passed from mothers to newborns via colostrum to help prepare the offspring's immune system. Studies explored in the book suggest transfer factors (there are multiple types) might carry information that could help the body fight, and even prevent, infections with viruses (e.g., herpes, hepatitis C, HPV, HIV), bacteria, mycobacteria (e.g., tuberculosis), and perhaps some forms of cancer. The author concludes that the exact nature of transfer factors and their roles in immune function remain unclear but that additional scientific inquiry is warranted. More broadly, the areas of research pioneered by Dr. Lawrence suggest that greater emphasis should be placed on promoting cell-mediated immunity, rather than antibody-mediated immunity alone, to help the body avoid and fight stealthy pathogens that hide inside of cells.
Please note that this not a medical advice book. It is science writing that explores a fascinating and still understudied discovery that could hold tremendous value for public health if early findings are borne out by further research.
About the Author
Aaron White is a neuroscientist with an interest in how the brain and immune system interact and how to improve the health of both. He has a PhD in biological psychology from Miami University (in Ohio) and currently is an Assistant Professor in Psychiatry at Duke University Medical Center. He stumbled across the topic of transfer factors while reading about emerging treatments for immune disorders and diseases. Amazed by the wealth of research behind this little known but already proven means of treating and immunizing people against diseases he wrote this book about them. The book contains a summary of what we know about transfer factors and the roles they could play in 21st century medicine and public health. And the news is even better the second time around!
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