transfer factor

noun Immunology.

a lymphocyte product that, when extracted from T cells of an individual with immunity to a particular antigen, can confer that immunity when administered to another individual of the same species.

Origin of transfer factor

First recorded in 1955–60

Words nearby transfer factor

transfeminism, transfer, transfer agent, transfer characteristic, transfer company, transfer factor, transfer fee, transfer list, transfer molding, transfer of training, transfer orbit

Medical definitions for transfer factor

transfer factor

n.

The transfer gene of a conjugative plasmid, especially of the resistance plasmid.
A substance free of nucleic acid and antibody, that is obtained from the white blood cells of a person with a delayed-type sensitivity and will transfer the specific sensitivity to the recipient after injection into the skin of a nonsensitive person.