Lactoferrin--a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial properties.
Lactoferrin is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding proteins. Numerous functions have been reported and continue to be reported for the protein, some of which are related to its iron-binding properties. Its extensive antimicrobial activities were originally attributed to its ability to sequester essential iron, however, it is now established that it possesses bactericidal activities as a result of a direct interaction between the protein or lactoferrin-derived peptides. This article reviews the antimicrobial activities of lactoferrin and discusses the potential mode of action of lactoferrin-derived cationic peptides against Gram-negative bacteria in the light of recent studies.
Metalloprotein Research Group, Randall Centre for Molecular Mechanisms of Cell Function, King's College London, 3.6 A New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK. sebastian.farnaud@kcl.ac.uk
Sebastien
S
Farnaud
Robert W
RW
Evans
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000378:metabolism*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000378:metabolism*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007501:Iron; D007781:Lactoferrin