Lactoferrin modulation of BCG-infected dendritic cell functions
Shen-An Hwang1, Jeffrey K Actor
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
International Immunology
|August 21, 2009
Summary
Lactoferrin enhances the BCG vaccine
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein, has immune-modulating properties.
- Its adjuvant potential with Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine is explored.
- Lactoferrin's effect on dendritic cell (DC) function with BCG antigens was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lactoferrin's ability to modulate dendritic cell (DC) function.
- To examine lactoferrin's impact on DC surface markers and cytokine production.
- To assess the effect of lactoferrin on BCG-specific T-cell responses in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were cultured with BCG and lactoferrin.
- Surface expression of MHC II, CD80, CD86, and CD40 on BMDCs was analyzed.
- Cytokine and chemokine production from BMDCs was measured.
- BCG-specific T-cell responses in splenocytes from vaccinated mice were assessed.
Main Results:
- Lactoferrin modulated DC maturation markers (MHC I, MHC II, CD86:CD80 ratio) upon BCG infection.
- Lactoferrin altered cytokine profiles, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing regulatory/chemotactic factors.
- Lactoferrin-treated DCs enhanced BCG-specific CD4+ T-cell activation and IFN-gamma production.
- BCG/lactoferrin vaccination in mice increased BCG antigen-specific IFN-gamma producing CD4+ T cells.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin enhances BCG vaccine efficacy by modulating dendritic cell function.
- Lactoferrin promotes the generation of antigen-specific T cells, suggesting a mechanism for its adjuvant activity.
- Lactoferrin holds promise as an adjuvant for tuberculosis vaccines.
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