Inhibitory Effect of Bovine Lactoferrin on Human Hepatitis B Virus Replication in HepG2.2.15 Cells

In this study, the effect of bovine lactoferrin on HBV replication in HBV-producing HepG2.2.15 cells was analyzed. MTT assay was used to determine the non-toxic concentrations of BLF to the culture cells. The results showed that cyto- toxicity increased as the concentration of BLF increased. However, no apparent cytotoxicity was observed with concentration of BLF less than 6.25 mg/ml. The HepG2.2.15 cells were subsequently incubated with BLF of two non-toxic concen- trations. mRNA expression level of HBV core protein and surface protein were examined by real-time RT-PCR. The results showed that the mRNA level of both HBV core protein and surface protein were reduced in cells incubated with both non-toxic concentrations of BLF. Our findings suggested that BLF was able to inhibit HBV repli- cation. BLF could be a new candidate of anti-HBV drugs.