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Complement factor B and the alternative pathway of complement activation in bovine milk
1Laboratoire de Pathologie Infectieuse et Immunologie, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France. rainard@tours.inra.fr
The Journal of Dairy Research
|June 6, 2002
Summary
Normal milk deposits C3 fragments on bacteria via the alternative pathway, confirmed by blocking factor B (fB). Milk
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Food Science
Background:
- The alternative pathway of complement activation is crucial for innate immunity.
- Understanding complement activation in milk is vital for infant health and food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the alternative pathway in complement C3 deposition on bacteria in normal milk.
- To determine the concentration and stability of factor B (fB) in milk.
Main Methods:
- Purification of factor B (fB) and generation of specific IgY antibodies.
- Inhibition assays using anti-fB antibodies to block C3 deposition.
- ELISA development for measuring fB concentrations in milk.
- Heat-treatment experiments on milk and serum.
Main Results:
- Antibodies against factor B (fB) specifically inhibited C3 deposition, confirming alternative pathway activation.
- The concentration of fB in milk was significantly lower than in serum but sufficient for pathway function.
- Factor B (fB) in milk was more heat-stable than in serum, retaining function and antigenicity after mild heat treatment.
Conclusions:
- The alternative complement pathway is responsible for C3 deposition on bacteria in normal milk.
- Factor B (fB) in milk is relatively heat-stable, contributing to complement function even after mild heat processing.
- These findings have implications for understanding milk's protective functions and the impact of food processing on its immune components.