Human milk-derived lactoferrin inhibits mitogen and alloantigen induced human lymphocyte proliferation.
Purified lactoferrin (LF), isolated from human milk, was tested for its effect on human T-lymphocyte proliferative responses to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and to alloantigens in mixed lymphocyte culture. LF inhibited proliferation in both assays in a dose-dependent manner. The suppressive effect was not due to LF mediated cytotoxicity since washing cells that had been pre-incubated with LF restored their proliferative activity. LF was most effective in suppressing the PHA response when added within 24 h of culture initiation. Iron saturated LF failed to inhibit PHA-induced proliferation, suggesting that the mechanisms of suppression involve the chelating property of LF. The suppressive effect of LF on T-lymphocyte proliferative response in vitro supports the notion that LF has significant immunoregulatory potential in vivo.
D005260:Female; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007782:Lactoglobulins / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D007959:Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000276:immunology; D013997:Time Factors
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D007782:Lactoglobulins; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C038178:ammonium ferrous sulfate; D007781:Lactoferrin