Immune Milk Suppresses Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Abstract

SummaryImmune milk has been developed as a substitute for colostrum and contains a high concentration of IgG antibodies specifi c to the immunized pathogens. Meanwhile, bovine herpesvirus type-1 (BHV-1) naturally infects cattle worldwide, and its antibody is found in milk. Moreover, BHV-1 glycoprotein K, the major antigen, exhibits substantial homology with human herpes virus simplex 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein K. On the basis of this evidence, we hypothesized BHV-1 antibody exists in immune milk and suppresses HSV-1 activity. This study investigated whether immune milk IgG recognizes HSV-1 and suppresses HSV-1 activity. IgG in immune milk was purifi ed by affi nity Protein A columns, and HSV-1-reactive IgG in immune milk IgG was detected and quantifi ed by ELISA. The effi cacy of the IgG against HSV-1 was analyzed using a reduction assay based on the cytopathic effect due to HSV-1 in the presence of macrophages. We detected a high concentration of HSV-1-reactive IgG in immune milk. Furthermore, IgG suppressed HSV-1 pathogenicity in the presence of macrophages. These results indicate immune milk has protective activity against HSV-1 by opsonic activity owing to its high concentration of HSV-1-reactive IgG, which is likely the BHV-1 antibody. HSV-1 is currently a refractory infection with a worldwide distribution. Primary infection occurs via the oral cavity, but there is no effective precaution at this time. However, the present results suggest that taking oral immune milk may be an effective measure to prevent primary HSV-1 infection in the oral cavity.

Whey Kefir: A Sustainable Solution to Reduce Waste and Improve Health

“…Both α and β fractions have shown cholesterol lowering, antithrombotic as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activities. − Immunoglobulins are bioactive components of both human and bovine whey and are further classified as IgG1, IgG2, IgGa, and IgM. Literature has reported their application in the transfer of humoral immunity to the neonate which helps to fight against the microbial infections and human herpesvirus. − Lactoferrin or red protein is an iron-binding glycoprotein known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties . It exists as a natural iron scavenger.…”