title: The physiology of lactoferrin.
abstract: This paper reviews our current knowledge of the structure and function of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin. In particular, it attempts to relate the various proposed physiological functions of lactoferrin to its most characteristic biochemical properties, i.e. its ability to bind iron and its highly basic nature. The extent to which various physiological functions can be considered as definitely established is critically reviewed, and suggestions for future research are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology and Bacteriology, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, United Kingdom. jeremy@brock-family.org
authors.forename: Jeremy H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Brock
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000378:metabolism; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D010271:Parasites / Q000187:drug effects; D014780:Viruses / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D001323:Autoantibodies; D007501:Iron; D007781:Lactoferrin