Immunomodulating potential of bovine colostrum in the prevention and treatment of human infectious diseases

Colostrum, sometimes called immune milk, is the primary lactational secretion of mammals released immediately after parturition, which is fundamentally different in composition from subsequent milk products during lactation. This biological fluid has a high concentration of immunoglobulins and many other bioactive molecules, providing primary immune protection to newborns. The objectives of this review are to classify and analyze the scientific data on the use of colostrum in therapeutic and prophylactic measures against infectious pathologies in humans, taking into account its immunomodulatory and immunoprotective properties. The review includes data extracted from authoritative sources such as PubMed, ResearcherGate, and eLibrary. The history of the use of hyperimmunized bovine colostrum in clinical practice since the 1950s is analyzed, confirming its high efficiency as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent against various infections. Particular attention is paid to the mechanisms of heterologous transfer of passive immunity resulting from specific immunization procedures aimed at stimulating humoral immune responses in the mammary gland. In the context of the global SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the study of the potential of colostrum as a means of inhibiting the spread of the virus is of particular relevance. The review presents data on the antimicrobial activity, the ability to immune modulate and stimulate growth factors in colostrum, as well as examples of homologous and heterologous transmission of passive immunity.