Low molecular weight iron-binding factor from mammalian tissue that potentiates bacterial growth.

Abstract

A low MW Fe-binding factor was isolated from horse liver. This host-associated Fe transfer factor (HAITF) is capable of binding Fe and stimulating bacterial growth by promoting Fe uptake into bacteria. When injected into infected animals, HAITF increases the virulence of bacterial infections. HAITF bioactivity is ubiquitous in animal tissues and present in serum. HAITF may be a factor that inadvertently plays a role in the host-parasite competition for Fe.