Transfer Factor Immune Science: How It Works

The research story behind 4Life Transfer Factor® — from a 1949 discovery to today's plant-based peptides.

It started with a question about immune memory

In 1949, immunologist Dr. H. Sherwood Lawrence of New York University made a landmark observation while studying tuberculosis immunity: immune information could be passed from one person to another through small molecules extracted from white blood cells. He named these molecules transfer factors — because they appeared to transfer immune knowledge.

Decades of research followed, and in 1998, 4Life Research was founded to bring transfer factor science to daily supplementation. Today, 4Life holds patents on its extraction processes and remains known as The Immune System Company.

What exactly is a transfer factor?

Transfer factors are low-molecular-weight peptides — chains of amino acids small enough to carry immune information but not species-specific proteins, which is why peptides sourced from cow colostrum and egg yolk can support human immune function.* Think of them as training notes for your immune system: they don't fight anything themselves, they help your immune cells learn.*

The 4R model: Recognize, Respond, Remember, Repair

4Life describes transfer factor activity in four parts:

• Recognize — supports your immune system's ability to identify potential threats*
• Respond — supports a proportionate, balanced immune reaction*
• Remember — supports immune memory, so responses get smarter over time*
• Repair — supports healthy cellular communication and recovery processes*

Three sources, one science

UltraFactor® — bovine colostrum

Colostrum, the first milk after birth, is nature's original immune-education delivery system. UltraFactor® concentrates its transfer factor peptides.*

OvoFactor® — chicken egg yolk

Egg yolk carries a complementary set of immune peptides, broadening the range of immune education.*

PhytoFactor™ — plant-based, from Brassica napus seeds

4Life's newest breakthrough: after screening over 100 high-protein plants, researchers identified transfer factor peptides in Brassica napus seeds. PhytoFactor™ is featured in the reformulated 4Life Transfer Factor® Max and offers a plant-based path to immune education.* Read more on our PhytoFactor™ page.

Tri-Factor® Formula: the combination

4Life's Tri-Factor® Formula combines UltraFactor®, OvoFactor®, and NanoFactor® (a concentrate of immune-modulating molecules) into the base found in Transfer Factor® Tri-Factor®, Transfer Factor Plus®, and across the core immune support line.

Where to go from here

New to transfer factor? Start with the complete beginner-friendly guide, compare formulas in Plus vs Tri-Factor vs Classic vs Max, or browse the Transfer Factor Immune Support collection. Every order ships free, and we cover the sales tax.

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About this page: Written and maintained by Kevin Moore, owner of 4LifeTransferFactorProducts.com and an independent 4Life Affiliate. Product and research information is drawn from 4Life Research's published materials and product labels. Last reviewed: August 2026.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.