Lactoferrin structure and functions.
Lactoferrin (Lf) is an iron binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family that is expressed in most biological fluids and is a major component of mammals' innate immune system. Its protective effect ranges from direct antimicrobial activities against a large panel of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, to anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. This plethora of activities is made possible by mechanisms of action implementing not only the capacity of Lf to bind iron but also interactions of Lf with molecular and cellular components of both host and pathogens. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the Lf structure-function relationships that explain the roles of Lf in host defense.
Legrand
Dominique
D
Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fontionnelle, UMR 8576 du CNRS, IFR 147, Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Lille, F-59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France. dominique.legrand@univ-lille1.fr
Pierce
Annick
A
Elass
Elisabeth
E
Carpentier
Mathieu
M
Mariller
Christophe
C
Mazurier
Joël
J
D000818:Animals; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007781:Lactoferrin