Lactoferrin: a first-line immune defence protein

What is Lactoferrin?

Lactoferrin is an exciting natural adjunct to nutritionally support the immune system. Lactoferrin was first reported in 1960. It is a non-haemic iron-binding protein and is a member of the transferrin family (reference).

Lactoferrin is an 80 kDa glycosylated protein of approximately 700 amino acids (reference, reference) comprised of a simple polypeptide chain folded into two symmetrical lobes (reference). Lactoferrin is found in mucosal secretions including neutrophils (reference), milk and colostrum, tears, saliva, nasal and bronchial secretions, bile, gastrointestinal fluids, vaginal fluids, semen, and urine (reference).

Lactoferrin's role as a first-line immune defence protein

Lactoferrin is considered a first-line defence protein involved in immune response (reference) and the protection against a variety of microbial infections (reference, reference). It has antibacterial (Gram+ and Gram-), antiviral, and antimicrobial properties (reference) and has benefits in the gut (reference). One of the immune mechanisms of lactoferrin involves iron sequestration in sites of infection (reference, reference), which deprives microorganisms of this iron and causes a bacteriostatic effect (reference).

Its role as an antioxidant 

Oxidative stress occurs when the production of potentially destructive reactive oxygen species (ROS) exceeds the body's own natural antioxidant defences and results in cellular damage (reference). Lactoferrin can function as an antioxidant, reduce intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, reduce oxidative stress, and reduce excess inflammatory responses (reference, reference, reference). Lactoferrin may be a useful tool in conditions with oxidative stress. Increased ROS leads to exacerbated inflammation (reference). Lactoferrin plays a role in the prevention of systemic inflammation (reference).

Its role in iron regulation 

Lactoferrin plays a key role in maintaining cellular iron levels in the body (reference). This is via the regulation of the absorption of iron (reference) and the homeostasis and transportation of iron (reference, reference, reference). Lactoferrin possesses a greater iron-binding affinity. It is the only transferrin with the ability to retain this iron over a wide range of pH values, including resistance to proteolysis (reference).

PurenFerrin™ Features and Benefits