Technologies

Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) plays a critical role in immunity. The protein is found in breast milk and secreted in the gastrointestinal system during development and adulthood. Research suggests that animals and humans deprived of sIgA due to early weaning or health defect are at higher risk for disorders like celiac disease, skin allergy and inflammatory bowel disease.

At present there is no method for harvesting large quantities of sIgA. To be useful as a commercial health supplement, the protein must be directly obtained from an animal source at high purity and low cost. UW–Madison researchers have developed a method for producing large quantities of animal- and human-grade sIgA. The protein is isolated from the intestinal fluid/lining of swine or cows, enriched and purified. The process is similar to how heparin, the common anticoagulant, is produced.

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a commercial source of secretory immunoglobulin A to boost animal growth, fight gastrointestinal inflammation and treat other disorders related to deficiency.