Open AccessThe extended farm effect: The milk protein β-lactoglobulin in stable dust protects against allergies
Author(s) -
Hanna Mayerhofer,
Katharina Zednik,
Isabella PaliSchöll
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
allergologie select
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2512-8957
DOI - 10.5414/alx02246e
Subject(s) - allergy , immune system , lipocalin , immunology , milk allergy , zinc , beta lactoglobulin , chemistry , ovalbumin , biology , food science , whey protein , food allergy , biochemistry , organic chemistry
The allergy- and asthma-protective farm effect is mediated by numerous factors. Especially dust from cattle stables and raw cow's milk show beneficial properties, suggesting a bovine protein to be involved. As a major milk protein and member of the lipocalin family, β-lactoglobulin (BLG) binds small, hydrophobic ligands and thereby modulates the immune response. Empty BLG promotes allergy development, whereas BLG in association with ligands shows allergy-preventive as well as allergy-reducing effects in vivo and in vitro.