Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Microbiology and Immunology
Supervisor
Dr. Mansour Haeryfar
Second Advisor
Dr. Quim Madrenas
Third Advisor
Dr. Sharareh Hekmat
Abstract
The milk-derived protein, bLf, and its peptide derivative, bLfcin, are known to contribute to innate immune mechanisms; however, how they may affect adaptive immune responses remains unclear. This, combined with the finding that bLf is able to augment the number of circulating Tcds+ in tumor-bearing mice, has enticed us to explore the potential therapeutic effects of these compounds on influenza A virus-specific TCD8+ responses in vivo. Using quantitative ICS, it was discovered that bLf and bLfcin, administered at specific time points via specific routes, significantly alter the primary and secondary antiviral Tcd8+ responses of infected mice. Furthermore, bLf was found to inhibit DC maturation in vitro and ex vivo, as measured by surface expression of CD80, CD83, CD86 and MHC class II molecules. This study has improved our understanding of bLf immunobiology and revealed promising applications of bLf and bLfcin in the context of antiviral treatments and vaccines.
Recommended Citation
Duffy, Kathleen Rose Langley, "The effect of bovine lactoferrin and lactoferricin on influenza A virusspecific CD8+ T cell responses in vivo" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4521.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4521