[Decreasing the immunogenicity of milk proteins by desialinization]

The immunogenicity of a native whey protein-casein mixture (relation 60:40) was compared with an analogous mixture which had been subjected to Warren's hydrolysis procedure for splitting off sialic acid. The immunization was performed in 3 rabbits each, with a mean body weight of 4,200 g. After parenteral administration of an antigen dose corresponding to 2 mg protein for 6 times, 10 ml blood were withdrawn from each of the animals on day 80 of the immunization procedure. The serum of those rabbits which had been injected the native whey protein-casein mixture was shown to precipitate this antigen intensively as could be demonstrated by Mancini's test. The cross reaction with the sialic acid-free protein mixture was strongly diminished. Immunization with sialic acid-free whey protein-casein failed to produce worth-while antibody formation against this antigen. Only a moderate cross reaction with native whey protein-casein was detectable. These results may have potential consequences for the production of infant formulas and dietaries.