Lactoferrin as potential preventative and adjunct treatment for COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread globally despite public health interventions.
• Antivirals and nutritional supplements are being explored for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections, but clinical validation is limited.
• Lactoferrin (Lf) is an orally available glycoprotein with demonstrated in vitro antiviral activity against coronaviruses like SARS-CoV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the biological mechanisms of Lactoferrin (Lf) as an antiviral and immune regulator.
• To propose the potential of Lf as a preventative and adjunct therapy for COVID-19.
• To highlight the need for further research into Lf supplementation for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on Lactoferrin (Lf).
• Analysis of Lf's antiviral properties against SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses.
• Examination of Lf's immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects in the context of COVID-19.

Main Results:

• Lactoferrin (Lf) exhibits in vitro antiviral efficacy against a broad spectrum of viruses, including SARS-CoV.
• Lf possesses significant immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.
• These properties are potentially beneficial for managing severe COVID-19 cases.

Conclusions:

• Lactoferrin (Lf) has a strong biological basis for its potential use in COVID-19.
• Lf may serve as a preventative measure and adjunct treatment for coronavirus disease 2019.
• Further clinical research is warranted to confirm the efficacy of Lf supplementation for COVID-19.