Glycans of bovine lactoferrin function as receptors for the type 1 fimbrial lectin of Escherichia coli

Abstract

Bovine lactoferrin strongly inhibited the hemagglutination activity of type 1 fimbriated Escherichia coli. In addition, it agglutinated these bacteria. The agglutination reaction was specifically inhibited by glycopeptides derived from bovine lactoferrin or alpha-methyl-D-mannoside. These observations indicate that the glycans of bovine lactoferrin can serve as receptors for type 1 fimbrial lectin.