Methods for obtaining transfer factor from avian sources, compositions including avian-generated transfer factor, and methods of use

Abstract

A non-mammalian transfer factor, compositions including the non-mammalian transfer factor, and methods for generating and preparing the non-mammalian transfer factor. The non-mammalian transfer factor may have specificity for one or more antigens. A method of using the non-mammalian transfer factor includes administering either antigen-specific non-mammalian transfer factor or antigen non-specific non-mammalian transfer factor to mammals to treat or prevent pathogenic infections in the mammals.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for eliciting a T-cell mediated immune response in an animal, comprising administering to the animal a quantity of a composition including an extract of an egg obtained from a nonmammalian source animal, said extract comprising transfer factor generated by said source animal in a T-cell mediated immune response to at least one antigenic agent.  
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises administering to the animal a quantity of said composition with said extract comprising transfer factor molecules having molecular weights of about 4,000 Da to about 5,000 Da.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering is effected orally.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering is effected nasally.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering is effected parenterally.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering is effected topically.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises preventing the animal from exhibiting a disease state associated with infection by a pathogen.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said administering is effected before the animal is exposed to said pathogen.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said administering is effected after the animal has been exposed to said pathogen.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said administering also comprises administering to the animal said composition with said transfer factor comprising transfer factor molecules specific for at least one antigen of said pathogen.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprising treating a disease state associated with infection by a pathogen.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said administering also comprises administering to the animal said composition with said transfer factor comprising transfer factor molecules specific for at least one antigen of said pathogen.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises administering to the animal said composition with said transfer factor comprising transfer factor molecules specific for at least one antigen of said pathogen.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises administering to the animal said composition with said transfer factor comprising transfer factor molecules specific for at least one antigen of at least one of Newcastle Virus, rubeola virus, mumps virus, rubella virus, Epstein-Barr Virus, hepatitis B virus, and  H. pylori.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises administering said composition to a mammal.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises administering to the animal said composition with said egg extract comprising an extract of an avian egg.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises administering to the animal said composition with said egg extract comprising an extract of a non-avian egg.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said administering comprises administering to the animal said composition with said egg extract comprising non-mammalian transfer factor.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, following said administering, said transfer factor causes the animal, in vivo, to elicit the T-cell mediated immune response.  
     
     
         20 . A method for causing an animal to elicit a T-cell mediated immune response, comprising: 
 administering to the animal a quantity of a composition including an extract of an egg obtained from a nonmammalian source animal, said extract comprising transfer factor generated by said source animal in a T-cell mediated immune response to at least one antigenic agent; and    permitting the transfer factor and the animal's immune system to initiate the T-cell mediated immune response in vivo.    
     
     
         21 . The method of claim  20 , wherein said administering comprises administering to the animal a quantity of said composition with said extract comprising transfer factor molecules having molecular weights of about 4,000 Da to about 5,000 Da.