Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein present in the cytoplasmic granules of neutrophils and in external secretions of mammals. Although the biological role of human and bovine lactoferrin has been extensively studied, there is still uncertainty as to the nature and function of lactoferrin receptors. We recently determined that methyl-α-D-mannopyranoside given intraperitoneally (i.p.) could suppress the adjuvant activity of LF in the generation of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to ovalbumin (OVA). We concluded that the lactoferrin effects in DTH are mediated by carbohydrate-recognizing receptors like the mannose receptor (MR). This study indicates that subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of very small doses of the Man-bovine serum albumin (Man-BSA) complex, together with a sensitizing dose of the antigen, gives the same effects as i.p. administration of methyl-α-D-mannopyranoside. The latter is also a blocker of MR, although of a much lower affinity to the receptor than Man-BSA. The blocking of the adjuvant effect of LF by the Man-BSA complex (when given together with the sensitising dose of antigen) suggests that the function of antigen-presenting cells in the skin (presumably immature dendritic cells expressing MR) is inhibited. The results of our study indicate that a receptor with an affinity for mannose is essential for the mediation of adjuvant lactoferrin function in the generation of DTH.
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