title: Lactoferrin a multiple bioactive protein: an overview.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lactoferrin (Lf) is an 80kDa iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family. It is abundant in milk and in most biological fluids and is a cell-secreted molecule that bridges innate and adaptive immune function in mammals. Its protective effects range from anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune modulator activities to antimicrobial activities against a large number of microorganisms. This wide range of activities is made possible by mechanisms of action involving not only the capacity of Lf to bind iron but also interactions of Lf with molecular and cellular components of both hosts and pathogens.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review summarizes the activities of Lf, its regulation and potential applications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The extensive uses of Lf in the treatment of various infectious diseases in animals and humans has been the driving force in Lf research however, a lot of work is required to obtain a better understanding of its activity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The large potential applications of Lf have led scientists to develop this nutraceutical protein for use in feed, food and pharmaceutical applications. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Molecular Mechanisms of Iron Transport and Disorders.
authors: Laboratorio de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Circuito 1, Nuevo Campus Universitario, CP 31125, Chihuahua, Mexico.
authors: Isui Abril
authors: IA
authors: García-Montoya
authors: Tania Siqueiros
authors: TS
authors: Cendón
authors: Sigifredo
authors: S
authors: Arévalo-Gallegos
authors: Quintín
authors: Q
authors: Rascón-Cruz
mesh_terms: D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D001483:Base Sequence; D007501:Iron / Q000378:metabolism*; D007781:Lactoferrin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008892:Milk / Q000737:chemistry; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007501:Iron; D007781:Lactoferrin