Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract (DLE) for Infection: Scientific Evidence

Dialyzable Leukocyte Extracts (DLEs) are low-molecular-weight peptides derived from human or animal leukocytes. They have been investigated since the 1970s for their immunomodulatory properties, aiming to enhance host defense mechanisms. DLEs are theorized to modulate the immune response, particularly by enhancing cell-mediated immunity, which could support the body’s response to infections.

Several small clinical trials and case reports, mainly from Latin America and Eastern Europe, have suggested that DLE may be beneficial as an adjunctive treatment in infections such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, and even tuberculosis. The proposed mechanism involves modulation of cytokine production and enhancement of T-cell responses. However, these studies are often limited by small sample sizes, lack of rigorous controls, and variable product formulations.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are lacking, and large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials have not been conducted. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA have not approved DLE for infection treatment, and its use remains largely investigational. While there is scientific rationale and some preliminary clinical data suggesting possible benefit, the overall quality of evidence is low, and DLE is not considered a standard or evidence-based therapy for infections. Thus, its use for this purpose is supported by some scientific study, but the strength of evidence is weak.

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