Impact of Lactoferrin and Lysozyme on Particle Diffusion and Microbial Transport in Mucus

Mucus constitutes a mesh-like hydrogel that pathogens must overcome to invade the underlying epithelium. The anti-microbial proteins, lactoferrin (LF) and lysozyme (LYS), are introduced during mucosal secretions and impact the microbiome by sequestering iron needed for bacterial growth and by lysing the cell wall. These proteins easily form ionic complexes and thus may have the potential to undergo strong electrostatic interactions with mucin, the main structural component of mucus. This work tested the hypothesis that these proteins alter mucus barrier properties. By investigating the impact of LF and LYS on particle and microbial transport in mucus, we can enhance understanding of the function of these proteins in mucosal immunity and explore their potential to be used as treatments to modulate the mucus barrier to pathogens and particulates.