A novel human milk protein-derived peptide BCCY-1 exerts immunomodulatory effects on monocytes through NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

Abstract

Abstract Protective effects of breastfeeding in reducing childhood infection have been reported. Human breast milk contains diverse bioactive compounds with direct and indirect antimicrobial activities as well as molecules that modulate the immune system. Although some of the molecules involved in human milk’s beneficial effects on development of immune function have been studied, the role of specific milk component in immunomodulation is not yet clear. Milk protein-derived bioactive peptides have been identified with various health-promoting functions icluding immunoregulation. In the present study, we found that a peptide derived from human milk protein β-casein (BCCY-1) enhance the migration of monocytes without affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, BCCY-1 induced the chemokine production via activition of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, which could be blocked by specific inhibitors of NF-κB and MAPK. Moreover, the relative intensity of peptide BCCY-1 as well as a cluster of β-casein derived peptides comprising a fragment of BCCY-1 were decreased in the preterm breast milk compared with the term breast milk, indicating a potential role of BCCY-1 and the similar sequences under physiological condition. Identification of those peptides and their physiological functions are necessary to transfer their potent functional properties into food or potential applications in health-care. This study highlight the important role of β-casein derived peptides in the immunomodulatory effects of human breast milk and suggest a promising way to develop novel dietary supplements, foods and even pharmaceutical agents.