Iron protein immunity

Changes in transporter proteins by high-frequency genetic mutation mechanisms, while maintaining transport activity, helps to evade the host s immune response, and in cases where the substrate specificity is changed, helps the microorganism to adapt to new iron sources. 

L. inocua ferritin site however, is the first described so far that has ligands belonging to two different subunits, and is not contained within a four-helix bundle. Recently it has been suggested that the neutrophil-activating protein of Helicobacter pylori, the major antigen of the immune response in infected individuals, is also a dodecameric ferritin, capable of binding up to 500 iron atoms per oligomer (Tonello et ah, 1999). 

One mechanism by which fever has an antibacterial effect is that it decreases the blood concentration of iron, which is necessary for bacterial proliferation (Chapter 17). However, iron is also necessary for the proliferation of immune cells in the lymph nodes and in the bone marrow (for formation of the iron-containing proteins, haemoglobin and mitochondrial proteins). This leads to competition for iron in the... 

The literature is rich with examples of metal-nitrosyl complexes, and it would be surprising if the generation of NO by the immune system did not result in the formation of many such adducts. Previous articles have presented summaries of metal proteins that form NO complexes (Butler et al., 1985 Henry et al., 1993), and more recently evidence has mounted that generation of NO by the immune system and by endothelial cells produces a variety of iron-nitrosyl complexes (Mulsch et al., 1993 Vanin et al., 1993 Lancaster et al., 1994). It is unclear which of the potential products will prove to be of physiological relevance, but because the enzymes that may be involved range from the central focus of oxidative cellular metabolism (LoBrutto et al., 1983) to the enzymes of DNA repair (Asahara et al., 1989), the list of potential targets is long and varied. 

Undemutrition during fetal and early life impacts upon the development of the immune organs and appears to diminish cellular immunity and increase the risk of atopic disorders during childhood (Langley-Evans and Carrington 2006). The references confirm that many food components have a beneficial impact on various elements of the immune system. Proteins, some fats, vitamins (A, B6, E, and folic acid), macro- and microelements (zinc, iron, selenium, and copper), and certain bacteria (probiotic bacteria), for example, have a considerable effect on the immune system. 

Human lactoferrin (HL) is a component of innate immunity. Human lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in milk, granulocytes and exocrine secretions. It is released during inflammation, has bactericidal effects and reduces cytokine production by binding to the lipid A portion of endotoxin (Appelmelk et al., 1994). 

The development, maintenance, and optimal functioning of the immune system are dependent on balanced and adequate nutrition. However, either a deficiency or an excess of a number of nutrients can have adverse effects. The nutrients with the most pronounced effects in humans include amount and type of dietary fatty acids (FAs), protein energy malnutrition, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and E, and minerals including zinc, copper, selenium, and iron. Multiple rather than single nutrient deficiencies... 

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