Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein belonging to the transferrin family. It acts as a defense in host animals against microbes and viruses, since it has a broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Lactoferrin has been shown to regulate the growth and differentiation of many types of cells. The results of recent studies indicate that lactoferrin is a potent regulator of dermal fibroblasts, and promotes cutaneous wound healing. The collagen gel contraction, a model of wound contraction during wound healing process, and migration of human fibroblasts were enhanced by lactoferrin. LRP-1 (LDL Receptor related Protein-1) acts as a signaling receptor for lactoferrin that mediate fibroblast response to lactoferrin by activating ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, lactoferrin promotes biosynthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) component such as type-I collagen and hyaluronan. Hyaluronan is a major component of ECM in connective tissue and promotes wound healing. The promoting effect of lactoferrin on hyaluronan production was accompanied by promotion of HAS2 (hyaluronan synthase 2) expression. These observations suggest that lactoferrin promotes the wound healing by providing an ECM that promotes fibroblast migration. Lactoferrin is also known for its anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties. According to recent in vivo study, lactoferrin promotes wound repair by promoting the early inflammatory phase of wound healing. Based on this, recombinant human lactoferrin was subsequently tested clinically in a Phase II trial in patients with diabetic ulcers and was found to be effective. Lactoferrin should be further evaluated in patients with diabetic and other types of ulcers.

Lactoferrin is an intriguing protein with an interesting structure and several known or suggested biological activities. We feel that attention on this protein has been too limited and diffuse, partly because it has been "hidden" among other well-known iron-binding proteins such as hemoglobin, ferritin and transferrin, but also perhaps because its biological functions are so diverse. Investigators that focus on lactoferrin represent a wide variety of medical and scientific disciplines that do not usually come together. It was our intention to improve that situation with this symposium. In this book, experts from a variety of disciplines describe the present knowledge of the structural features of lactoferrin, its carbohydrate side chains and its capacity to bind different metal ions and anions. Several of the possible physiological functions of lactoferrin are described in detail, including the role of lactoferrin in bacterial killing, its involvement in growth and proliferation, in immune function and in iron absorption. Aspects of the molecular biology of lactoferrin and its specific interactions with different cell types are also included. Finally, as lactoferrin now has become commercially available in larger quantities, possible industrial applications are discussed. The book should give the interested reader a thorough insight into our present knowledge of lactoferrin.

Following the two meetings on Lactoferrin Structure and Function that were held in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1993 and 1995, the Third International Conference on Lactoferrin Structure and Function was held in Le Touquet, France, and has successfully reinforced and diversified the previously created bridges between biochemists, clinicians, and companies. In fact, scientists, physicians, and people of industry from different domains have brought a wealth of recent information concerning biochemistry and technical advances in the identification of lactoferrin-derived compounds as well as cell biology, molecular biol ogy, pathology, and medical applications of lactoferrin and lactoferrin-derived com pounds. We were so delighted with the rapid growth of knowledge concerning many biologi cal and immunological functions of lactoferrins and the relationships between their struc ture and function, we wanted to share our pleasure with the readers interested in this field. The present book. which represents a review of some of the most exciting contributions, is intended to reflect the status of our knowledge and transmit our hopes for the future devel opment of in vivo applications of natural and recombinant lactoferrins. We would like to express our gratitude to the sponsors who contributed to the or ganization of the meeting in such a pleasant place and allowed the participation of several young researchers. We would also like to thank all the participants who have answered with enthusiasm our invitation and to every one of the Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique for the constant and efficient help.

In Lactoferrin: Interactions and Biological Functions, experimental and clinical investigators join forces to explain our current understanding of lactoferrin, a highly significant protein in medicine and industry. Drawing on many disciplines, the front-line authorities writing here define the structural features of lactoferrin and describe in detail several of its physiological functions. These include the role of lactoferrin in killing bacteria, and its involvement in cell growth and proliferation, in the modulation of immune function, and in iron absorption. Particular attention is given to lactoferrin functions in the regulation of normal and diseased states. New knowledge of the molecular biology of lactoferrin is also included, along with discussions of commercially viable large-scale production techniques and important new industrial applications. Lactoferrin: Interactions and Biological Functions offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary view of our present knowledge of lactoferrin and opens the way to the greatly expanded use of lactoferrin as a bioactive reagent in foods and pharmaceuticals. Now the new standard reference in the field, Lactoferrin will prove invaluable to all those working with this important biochemical in both basic and clinical settings.

Following the two meetings on Lactoferrin Structure and Function that were held in Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1993 and 1995, the Third International Conference on Lactoferrin Structure and Function was held in Le Touquet, France, and has successfully reinforced and diversified the previously created bridges between biochemists, clinicians, and companies. In fact, scientists, physicians, and people of industry from different domains have brought a wealth of recent information concerning biochemistry and technical advances in the identification of lactoferrin-derived compounds as well as cell biology, molecular biol ogy, pathology, and medical applications of lactoferrin and lactoferrin-derived com pounds. We were so delighted with the rapid growth of knowledge concerning many biologi cal and immunological functions of lactoferrins and the relationships between their struc ture and function, we wanted to share our pleasure with the readers interested in this field. The present book. which represents a review of some of the most exciting contributions, is intended to reflect the status of our knowledge and transmit our hopes for the future devel opment of in vivo applications of natural and recombinant lactoferrins. We would like to express our gratitude to the sponsors who contributed to the or ganization of the meeting in such a pleasant place and allowed the participation of several young researchers. We would also like to thank all the participants who have answered with enthusiasm our invitation and to every one of the Laboratoire de Chimie Biologique for the constant and efficient help.

Recently, researchers found that lactoferrin, when activated, functions as a potent antimicrobial intervention. It protects food by removing harmful bacteria from the surface and by starving bacteria before they can multiply and produce harmful toxins; it also prevents bacteria from re-attaching to food surfaces. As a result this substance has potential to help the agribusiness and food industry supply safer food products to consumers. Lactoferrin: Natural - Multifunctional - Antimicrobial details microbial blocking technology to protect foods from harmful microbes and presents the scientific background on use of this naturally occurring microbial blocking agent as an effective food antimicrobial intervention.

Adenoviral Vectors for Gene Therapy, Second Edition provides detailed, comprehensive coverage of the gene delivery vehicles that are based on the adenovirus that is emerging as an important tool in gene therapy. These exciting new therapeutic agents have great potential for the treatment of disease, making gene therapy a fast-growing field for research. This book presents topics ranging from the basic biology of adenoviruses, through the construction and purification of adenoviral vectors, cutting-edge vectorology, and the use of adenoviral vectors in preclinical animal models, with final consideration of the regulatory issues surrounding human clinical gene therapy trials. This broad scope of information provides a solid overview of the field, allowing the reader to gain a complete understanding of the development and use of adenoviral vectors. - Provides complete coverage of the basic biology of adenoviruses, as well as their construction, propagation, and purification of adenoviral vectors - Introduces common strategies for the development of adenoviral vectors, along with cutting-edge methods for their improvement - Demonstrates noninvasive imaging of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer - Discusses utility of adenoviral vectors in animal disease models - Considers Federal Drug Administration regulations for human clinical trials

Mucosal immunology is so important since most infectious agents enter the body through the various mucous membranes, and many common infections take place in or on mucous membranes. Mucosal Immunology, now in its third edition, is the only comprehensive reference covering the basic science and clinical manifestations of mucosal immunology. This book contains new research data, exceptional illustrations, original theory, a new perspective and excellent organization. - The most comprehensive text on mucosal immunology from internationally recognized experts in the field - Includes exceptional color illustrations, new research data, original theory and information on all mucosal diseases - Contains nine new chapters and an expanded appendix

Considerable advances have been made in science in order to understand the varied mixture of bioactive components in human milk. The 94th Nestlé Nutrition Institute Workshop was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest findings in human milk research and its potential to modulate mucosal immunity, the microbiome, and its impact on the neonate. The publication provides a balanced state-of-the-art update on the current knowledge about milk, mucosal immunity, and the microbiome as well as their impact on breastfeeding in mammalian neonates. The first part reviews data on the immunology of milk and lactation from a historical perspective to the latest scientific findings. The second part discusses the microbiology of human milk and lactation in detail, with a focus on premature infants and necrotizing enterocolitis. And finally, in the third part, light is shed on the protective factors in human milk and their role in influencing the neonate’s immune system. Important new insights will provide great scientific support for all people seeking a deeper understanding of human milk and its immunological properties and will enlarge the knowledge of those who have already specialized in human milk research.

The major emphasis in this book is a compilation and definition of what is known about components of human milk, including glycoconjugates, that inhibit common pathogens of the infant. Also discussed are other bioactive constituents whose relevant biological roles are also beginning to be defined. Hormonal and cytokine activity, immunomodulating and autoinflammatory agents, xenobiotics, and conditionally essential nutrients in milk could have roles in the protection of the infant, but may also participate in digestive processes, maternal--infant communication, maturation of the gut, central nervous system, and other components of infant growth and development. Like the protective activities, these are discussed in terms of their presence in milk, structures, potential functions, and structure/function relationship. Components whose role is nutritional support during early development of the infant are also included.