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Updated: Aug 23, 2026
Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
Published on: October 1, 2015
Antiviral activity of lactoferrin towards naked viruses
Lucilla Seganti1, Assunta Maria Di Biase, Magda Marchetti
1Public Health Sciences Department, University La Sapienza, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
It is well known that lactoferrin (Lf) is a potent inhibitor towards several enveloped and naked viruses, such as rotavirus, enterovirus and adenovirus. Lf is resistant to tryptic digestion and breast-fed infants excrete high levels of faecal Lf, so that its effect on viruses replicating in the gastrointestinal tract is of great interest. In this report, we analysed the mechanism of the antiviral action of this protein in three viral models which, despite representing different genoma and replication strategies, share the ability to infect the gut. Concerning the mechanism of action against rotavirus, Lf from bovine milk (BLf) possesses a dual role, preventing virus attachment to intestinal cells by binding to viral particles, and inhibiting a post adsorption step. The BLf effect towards poliovirus is due to the interference with an early infection step but, when the BLf molecule is saturated with Zn+2 ions, it is also capable of inhibiting viral replication after the viral adsorption phase. The anti-adenovirus action of BLf takes place on virus attachment to cell membranes through competition for common glycosaminoglycan receptors and a specific interaction with viral structural polypeptides. Taken together, these findings provide further evidence that Lf is an excellent candidate in the search of natural agents against viral enteric diseases, as it mainly acts by hindering adsorption and internalisation into cells through specific binding to cell receptors and/or viral particles.
Insights
Lactoferrin (Lf) effectively inhibits enteric viruses like rotavirus, poliovirus, and adenovirus. This natural protein hinders viral attachment and entry into cells, showing promise for treating gastrointestinal viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lactoferrin (Lf) is known for its antiviral properties against various viruses.
- Its resistance to digestion and presence in breast milk make it relevant for gastrointestinal infections.
- Understanding Lf's antiviral mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antiviral mechanisms of lactoferrin (Lf) against rotavirus, poliovirus, and adenovirus.
- To elucidate how Lf interferes with viral entry and replication in the gastrointestinal tract.
- To evaluate Lf as a potential natural agent against enteric viral diseases.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Lf's antiviral activity using three distinct viral models (rotavirus, poliovirus, adenovirus).
- Investigation of Lf's interaction with viral particles and host cells.
- Assessment of Lf's effect on viral attachment, adsorption, and post-adsorption stages.
Main Results:
- Bovine lactoferrin (BLf) demonstrated a dual role against rotavirus, inhibiting attachment and a post-adsorption step.
- BLf interfered with early poliovirus infection, with Zn+2 saturation enabling post-adsorption inhibition.
- BLf inhibited adenovirus attachment by competing for cell receptors and interacting with viral proteins.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin primarily acts by hindering viral adsorption and internalization into host cells.
- Lf exhibits potent antiviral activity through specific binding to cellular receptors and/or viral particles.
- Lf is a promising natural candidate for combating viral enteric diseases.
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