Secretory protein beta‐lactoglobulin in cattle stable dust may contribute to the allergy‐protective farm effect

Abstract

The lipocalin BLG is found in large amounts in cattle urine, accumulates in bovine dust samples and is aerosolized around farms. Its association with zinc favorably shapes the human cellular immune response towards Th1-cytokines <i>in vitro</i>. BLG together with zinc in stable dust protects mice from allergic sensitization. BLG with its associated ligands may in an innate manner contribute to the allergy-protective farm effect.