Lactoferrin, a multifactorial protein

Lactoferrin is an iron binding protein present in biological fluids. The Lactoferrin is synthesized by mammary epithelium cells and neutrophils and secreted as non-haem iron binding protein. It is an glycosylated protein having antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory and iron haemostasis properties. Lactoferrin modulates the immune response by decreasing the free radical formation and by down regulating LPS induced cytokines. Lactoferrin is an potent activator of immunological functions such as granulopoiesis, cytokine production, antibody synthesis, natural killer cell toxicity, lymphocyte proliferation and complement activation and production of interleukins (IL-1), (IL-2) and TNF. Lactoferrin exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria (gram-positive & negative), fungi, yeasts and viruses and parasites. Lactoferrin is an anabolic factor affecting osteocytes. Lactoferrin stimulates osteoblast proliferation and incorporates thymidine thus reducing apoptosis of osteoblasts. Lactoferrin acts as biomarker, antioxidant and vaccine adjuvant. This paper reviews the role of lactoferrin, its mechanism of action in regulation of mammalian host defense.

Current information on the functions and mechanism of action of lactoferrin are reviewed.