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Immobilized lactoferrin is a stimulus for eosinophil activation.
Larry L Thomas1, Wei Xu, Tamir T Ardon
1Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush Medical College, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. lthomas2@rush.edu
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|July 5, 2002
Summary
Lactoferrin bound to airway surfaces can activate eosinophils, contributing to asthma pathogenesis. This study shows immobilized lactoferrin stimulates eosinophil superoxide production and mediator release, unlike soluble lactoferrin.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Eosinophils play a key role in asthma, causing airway epithelial damage.
- Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein found in airway surface liquid.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if lactoferrin can activate eosinophils.
- To understand lactoferrin's role in airway inflammation and asthma.
Main Methods:
- Eosinophils were incubated with immobilized and soluble human lactoferrin.
- Superoxide production, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) release, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) production were measured.
- Eosinophil binding of lactoferrin was assessed using flow cytometry and radiolabeling.
Main Results:
- Immobilized lactoferrin stimulated concentration-dependent eosinophil superoxide production, unlike transferrin or soluble lactoferrin.
- Lactoferrin binding to eosinophils was confirmed.
- Immobilized lactoferrin induced EDN release and low-level LTC4 production, enhanced by GM-CSF.
Conclusions:
- Adherent lactoferrin on airway epithelium may activate eosinophils.
- This activation could contribute to eosinophil-driven airway disorders like asthma.