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. 1995 Nov;63(11):4550–4552. doi: 10.1128/iai.63.11.4550-4552.1995

Giardicidal activity of lactoferrin and N-terminal peptides.

J M Turchany 1, S B Aley 1, F D Gillin 1
PMCID: PMC173652  PMID: 7591103

Abstract

Human and bovine lactoferrins and their derived N-terminal peptides were giardicidal in vitro. Fe3+, but not Fe2+, protected trophozoites from both native lactoferrin and peptides, although the latter lack iron-binding sites. Other divalent metal ions protected only against native lactoferrin. Log-phase cells were more resistant to killing than stationary-phase cells. These studies suggest that lactoferrin, especially in the form of the N-terminal peptides, may be an important nonimmune component of host mucosal defenses against Giardia lamblia.

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Selected References

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