Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
Whey Protein Lipid Concentrate High in Milk Fat Globule Membrane Components Inhibit Porcine and Human Rotavirus in
Marcia H Monaco1, Gabriele Gross2, Sharon M Donovan1
1Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States.
Abstract:
Background: The milk fat globule membrane (MFMG) is a complex milk component that has been shown to inhibit rotavirus (RV) binding to cell membranes in vitro. Herein, a whey protein lipid concentrate high in MFGM components (WPLC) and whey protein concentrate (WPC; control) were screened for anti-infective activity against porcine OSU and human Wa strains of RV in both the African Green Monkey kidney (MA104) and the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cell lines. Materials and Methods: Confluent cells were exposed to OSU or Wa RV in the presence of WPLC or WPC (control) at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5 mg/ml. Infectivity was detected by immunohistochemistry and expressed as % inhibition relative to 0 mg/ml. WPLC efficacy over WPC was expressed as fold-change. One-way ANOVA analyzed data for the independent and interactive effects of concentration, test material, and RV strain. Results: Both WPLC and WPC exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of human Wa and porcine OSU RV infectivity in MA104 and Caco-2 cells (p < 0.0001). WPLC was 1.5-4.8-fold more effective in reducing infectivity than WPC. WPLC efficacy was independent of RV strains, but varied between cell lines. WPLC and WPC at concentrations ≥0.5 mg/mL were most effective in reducing human Wa RV infectivity in MA104 cells (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: WPLC decreased infectivity of two strains for RV which differ in their dependency on sialic acid for binding to cells. Inhibition was observed in the most commonly used cell type for RV infectivity assays (MA104) and an intestinal cell line (Caco-2). An effect on virus infectivity might be a potential mechanisms of action contributing to beneficial effects of supplementation of infant formula with MGFM reducing the risk of infections and consequently diarrhea incidence in infants.
Insights
A milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) concentrate inhibited rotavirus (RV) infectivity in cell cultures. This MFGM component showed greater efficacy than control, suggesting potential benefits for infant formula to reduce diarrhea incidence.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) is known to inhibit rotavirus (RV) binding to cell membranes in vitro.
- Whey protein lipid concentrate (WPLC), rich in MFGM components, was investigated for anti-infective properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-infective activity of WPLC against porcine OSU and human Wa strains of RV.
- To compare the efficacy of WPLC with whey protein concentrate (WPC) in inhibiting RV infectivity in MA104 and Caco-2 cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Confluent MA104 and Caco-2 cells were exposed to RV strains in the presence of WPLC or WPC at various concentrations.
- Infectivity was measured by immunohistochemistry and expressed as percentage inhibition.
- Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA was performed to assess the effects of concentration, material, and RV strain.
Main Results:
- Both WPLC and WPC demonstrated concentration-dependent inhibition of RV infectivity in both cell lines (p < 0.0001).
- WPLC was significantly more effective than WPC, showing 1.5-4.8 fold greater inhibition.
- WPLC efficacy was consistent across RV strains but varied between cell lines, with optimal inhibition of human Wa RV in MA104 cells at concentrations ≥0.5 mg/mL.
Conclusions:
- WPLC effectively decreased the infectivity of two rotavirus strains with different cell-binding dependencies.
- Inhibition was observed in MA104 cells, a common RV assay model, and Caco-2 intestinal cells.
- MFGM's anti-infective properties suggest a potential mechanism for reducing infant infections and diarrhea when used in infant formula supplementation.
