Multifunctional capacity and therapeutic potential of lactoferrin

Abstract

Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein with high functional versatility that is found in most body fluids. The objective of this study was to gather and update information on the properties attributed to LF. According to this review, LF is a good immunomodulatory agent that acts on both innate and adaptive immune responses. It possesses antimicrobial activity against parasites, fungi, and viruses and also has regenerative properties at tissue level and anti-carcinogenic activity. All of these properties endow LF with major therapeutic potential of which little advantage has been taken to date.

Keywords: Anticancer activity; Antimicrobial agent; Immunomodulator; Lactoferrin; Tissue regenerator.