What is Lactoferrin?
Lactoferrin (LF) is a protein found in milk and other fluids secreted by the body, such as saliva and tears. It is also abundant in colostrum, the first nutrition for newborns before breastmilk is produced.
The structure of lactoferrin is globular and includes two iron-binding domains. Human lactoferrin receptors have been shown to prefer human lactoferrin over other forms of lactoferrin like bovine.
The Functions of Lactoferrin
Cellular Growth Factor
Lactoferrin has been shown to induce proliferation of many cell types including CHO, osteoblasts, HEK293, keratinocytes and fibroblasts. It is believed that this function derives from a cell signaling pathway. Lactoferrin can enter cells through the lactoferrin receptor or by endocytosis. In some cell types, lactoferrin is transported to the nucleus where it may affect transcription of mRNA. Lactoferrin also protects cells from apoptosis (programmed cell death) and promotes cell viability.
Antioxidant
Its ability to carry iron without generating free radicals is one form of antioxidant activity. This antioxidant activity helps protect the body.
Antimicrobial
Lactoferrin helps protect the body against bacteria, viruses, fungi and other infectious microorganisms, which explains its presence in mucosal fluids. Lactoferrin sequesters iron, leaving little available for the propagation of microorganisms. It can also inhibit the binding of bacteria or viruses to host cells, thus preventing infections.
Mucosal fluids made by epithelial cells contain lactoferrin. Babies receive initial protection against microorganisms through the high concentrations of lactoferrin found in colostrum and breastmilk.
Anti-inflammatory
Lactoferrin has been shown to reduce inflammation both in the skin and in the gut. It does this by inhibiting the production of the cytokine mediators that lead to inflammation. It has also been shown to upregulate the proliferation of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs). PMNs are the first responders to inflammation and are responsible for clearing up any exudates associated with inflammation.
Iron Transporter
Lactoferrin binds to and carries iron through the mucosa of the intestines, making it available for use in the cells. This function is especially important for breastfed infants, with lactoferrin being their sole source of iron. Its iron-binding properties also enable it to carry iron without generating cell-damaging free radicals, a problem associated with free-iron.
The Uses of Lactoferrin
A Cell Culture Growth Factor
Lactoferrin can be added to cell culture media to promote cell growth, improve doubling times, increase cell viability and increase protein production.
An Iron Chelator
Lactoferrin has been used to deliver iron for certain cell culture applications.
A Vaccine Additive
Lactoferrin is sometimes used as an adjuvant for certain vaccines.
Human Health
Lactoferrin has several human health applications, including incorporation in clinical nutrition products, cosmetics, wound care formulations, infant formula and oral hygiene products.
The Importance of Lactoferrin
Lactoferrin can be extracted from colostrum or milk, or more commonly, used in the form of recombinant human lactoferrin for an animal-free version that is consistent and safe.
Click here to find out more about LacrominTM, the new high-performance recombinant human lactoferrin product from InVitria.
References:
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Conneely OM. (2001). Antiinflammatory activities of lactoferrin. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 20(90005):389S-395S.
Flanagan JL, Willcox MD. (2009). Role of lactoferrin in the tear film. Biochimie, 91(1):35-43.
Gonzalez-Chavez SA, Arevalo-Gallegos S, et al. (2009). Lactoferrin: structure, function and applications. Int J Antimicrob Agents, 33(4):301e1-8.
Jenssen H, Hancock RE. (2009). Antimicrobial properties of lactoferrin. Biochimie, 91(1):19-29.
Lonnerdal B. (2009). Nutritional roles of lactoferrin. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 12(3):293-7.
Mohan P, Abrams SA. (2009). Oral lactoferrin for the treatment of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates. Cochrane Database Syst Rev, (1):CD007138.
Ochoa TJ, Cleary TG. (2009). Effect of lactoferrin on enteric pathogens. Biochimie, 91(1):30-4.
Paesano R, Pietropaoli M, et al. (2009). The influence of lactoferrin, orally administered, on systemic iron homeostasis in pregnant women suffering of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Biochimie, 91(1):44-51.
Pierce A, Legrand D, Mazurier J. (2009). Lactoferrin: A multifunctional protein. Médecine Sciences, 25(4):361-9.
Puddu P, Valenti P, et al. (2009). Immunomodulatory effects of lactoferrin on antigen presenting cells. Biochimie, 91(1):11-8.
Rodrigues L, Teixeira J, Schmitt F, Paulsson M, Helena LM. (2009). Lactoferrin and cancer disease prevention. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 49(3):203-17.
Tomita M, Wakabayashi H, et al. (2009). Twenty-five years of research on bovine lactoferrin applications. Biochimie, 91(1):52-7.
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About Lactoferrin
