GLYCOPROTEINS OF THE HUMAN-MILK FAT GLOBULE IN THE PROTECTION OF THE BREAST-FED INFANT AGAINST INFECTIONS

Nonimmunological components in human milk can protect breast-fed infan ts against infection by microorganisms. The structural and functional characteristics of four such components are discussed. The mucin inhib its binding of S-fimbriated Escherichia coli to bucal epithelial cells ; lactadherin prevents symptomatic rotavirus-induced infection; glycoa minoglycans inhibit binding of human immunodeficiency virus gp120 to i ts host cell CD4 receptor, and oligosaccharides provide protection aga inst several pathogens and their toxins.