Lactoferrin: A Glycoprotein Involved in Immunomodulation, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Processes
Quintín Rascón-Cruz, Edward Alexander Espinoza-Sánchez, Tania Siqueiros-Cendón, Sayuri I. Nakamura-Bencomo, Sigifredo Arévalo‐Gallegos, Blanca Flor Iglesias-Figueroa
Abstract
Lactoferrin is an iron binding glycoprotein with multiple roles in the body. Its participation in apoptotic processes in cancer cells, its ability to modulate various reactions of the immune system, and its activity against a broad spectrum of pathogenic microorganisms, including respiratory viruses, have made it a protein of broad interest in pharmaceutical and food research and industry. In this review, we have focused on describing the most important functions of lactoferrin and the possible mechanisms of action that lead to its function.
Topics & Concepts
LactoferrinGlycoproteinImmune systemAntimicrobialMicrobiologyBroad spectrumBiologyFunction (biology)ChemistryCell biologyImmunologyBiochemistryCombinatorial chemistryInfant Nutrition and HealthNeonatal Respiratory Health ResearchClinical Nutrition and Gastroenterology