Antiinflammatory Activities of Lactoferrin

Abstract

Lactoferrin is a non-heme iron binding glycoprotein produced during lactation and by epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces. The protein is a prominent component of the first line of mammalian host defense and its expression is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli. In this paper, the antibacterial and immune modulatory properties of lactoferrin that contribute to host defense are reviewed. In addition, the results of recent preclinical and clinical studies demonstrating that lactoferrin acts as an inhibitor of dermal inflammatory cytokine production are summarized. The results indicate that lactoferrin may act as a potent anti-inflammatory protein at local sites of inflammation including the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.

• lactoferrin
• protein
• immune defense
• anti-microbial activity
• anti-inflammatory activity

Key teaching points:

• Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antibacterial and immune modulatory activities and is a component of the first line of host defense.

• Lactoferrin can decrease dermal immune responses in both rodents and humans by inhibiting local production of cytokine mediators of inflammation.

• Lactoferrin also inhibits gut inflammation, most likely by similar mechanisms.

• Sufficient quantities of recombinant human lactoferrin have been produced for clinical testing of its efficacy in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.

Key teaching points:

• Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antibacterial and immune modulatory activities and is a component of the first line of host defense.

• Lactoferrin can decrease dermal immune responses in both rodents and humans by inhibiting local production of cytokine mediators of inflammation.

• Lactoferrin also inhibits gut inflammation, most likely by similar mechanisms.

• Sufficient quantities of recombinant human lactoferrin have been produced for clinical testing of its efficacy in the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions.

Notes

Presented in part at Ross Products Research Conference on Medical Issues, “Synergy in Medical and Nutritional Therapy,” November 6–8, 2000, Key Largo, Florida.