Immunoproteins Prevent Overstimulation of the Immune System
Ankeny, IA – January 18, 2008.
Great advances in science are often as simple as applying a truth like “the shortest distance between two points is a straight line”. Such is the case with ImmunoLin®, an immunoglobulin protein isolate, developed here by Proliant Health and Biologicals. Immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, are a specialized protein naturally produced by the immune system. The use of these immunoproteins as supplements have such obvious benefits to immunity that Proliant has sometimes found these benefits very challenging to patent. The well-established role of human immunoglobulin secreted into saliva and the intestinal tract is to engage and remove foreign molecules. Since many of the same foreign molecules are also found in animals, immunoglobulin from other species can perform this role as well, or even better, in humans. But, the specific effects of the bioactive peptide components of plasma provided orally are still being researched. Researchers at the University of Barcelona, led by Miguel Moreto, recently took up that challenge and published results of a series of studies in the Journal of Nutrition. The results, which demonstrate a reduction in the over stimulation of the immune system, continues to build the arsenal of science that ImmunoLin® consumed orally is a valuable tool in our fight to stay healthy.
The multi-disciplinary team of scientists with expertise in immunology and physiology first developed a model novel using very low levels of a potent toxin produced by a common bacterial cause of food poisoning, Staphylococcus aureus, to induce mild inflammation. After proving the model was consistent, they designed a series of experiments to assess the effects of plasma proteins on intestinal inflammation, barrier function, and nutrient absorption. Inspiration for the series of studies came from previous publications, internal studies and successful commercial application in the animal health market with plasma protein, the raw material for the product ImmunoLin.
“We hypothesized that proteins and peptides are neutralizing the immune stimulating effects of foreign molecules in the gut which, if absorbed, may cause the immune system to over respond leading to intestinal inflammation and loss of normal gut barrier function. But, designing the appropriate studies and measuring many different response criteria is a major scientific challenge. This is one of the few research groups in the world that have the collective expertise necessary to successfully conduct these studies.” according to Eric Weaver, Chief Scientific Officer of Proliant.
“In our studies, immunoglobulin concentrates and plasma significantly reduced the impact of the SEB toxin in inducing mucosal inflammation and gut permeability. The effects of supplementation with these proteins are mediated by a reduction in inflammatory cytokines.” according to lead researcher Anna Perez-Bosque, PhD. Group leader Dr. Miguel Moreto adds, “While our research will continue, these studies provide an explanation of the benefits reported in food animal species and the mode of action of plasma proteins and immunoglobulin concentrates when given orally.”
Proliant Health and Biologicals is the first manufacturer of an immunoglobulin isolate, ImmunoLin®, for use in dietary supplements and medical nutritionals. “The studies are great, but, all of us experience exposure or ‘attacks’ from food, air, contact and water. It’s in the news all the time. So, we need something that will protect the gut and that is what the active proteins in ImmunoLin® do. As an example, if you eat out, which we all do, you should take it,” states Nix Lauridsen, the company founder. Proliant recommends the use of ImmunoLin® in capsules, syrups, beverages or nutrition bars to ensure compliance and maximum benefit.