title: Lactoferrin as a natural immune modulator.
abstract: Lactoferrin, an iron-binding glycoprotein, is a cell-secreted mediator that bridges innate and adaptive immune function in mammals. It is a pleiotropic molecule that directly assists in the influence of presenting cells for the development of T-helper cell polarization. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of research regarding the role of lactoferrin in maintaining immune homeostasis, in particular as a mediator of immune responses to infectious assault, trauma and injury. These findings are critically relevant in the development of both prophylactic and therapeutic interventions in humans. Understanding these particular effects of lactoferrin will provide a logical framework for determining its role in health and disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX 77030, USA. Jeffrey.K.Actor@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Jeffrey K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Actor
authors.forename: Shen-An
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.forename: Marian L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Kruzel
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000502:physiology; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000276:immunology; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology; D018746:Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007155:Immunologic Factors; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; C038340:lactoferrin receptors; D007781:Lactoferrin