| abstract |
Immunostimulating agent containing a peptide derived from a lactoferrin having a moderating effect on the release of inflammatory mediators from cells of the immune system. The peptide promotes the release of leukotriene B4 from polymorphonuclear neutrophils, induced by activators such as calcium ionophore A23187. It also promotes the release of mast cell histamine, induced by activators such as Staphylococcus aureus alpha-toxin producing cells or calcium ionophore A23187. The peptide is effective at low concentrations between 1 and 100 ppm. By promoting the release of such inflammatory mediators, the peptide can potentiate the immune response of cells and stimulate the host's defenses against an infectious disease. This new immunostimulating agent is useful as an active component of pharmaceutical substances, hygienic products, clinical food, etc. for the prevention and treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral infections in humans or animals. |