Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
06:28
Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
Published on: October 1, 2015
14.0K
Lactoferrin, a Natural Protein with Multiple Functions in Health and Disease.
Manuela Rizzi1,2, Paolo Manzoni3,4, Chiara Germano3
1Department of Health Sciences (DiSS), Università del Piemonte Orientale (UPO), 28100 Novara, Italy.
Nutrients
|November 13, 2025
Summary
Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein with diverse biological roles, shows potential in treating various diseases and monitoring inflammation. Its clinical utility varies, requiring further investigation across different conditions and patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein with antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties.
- It plays a key role in maintaining host homeostasis and exhibits anti-inflammatory activities.
- Lactoferrin is a component of neutrophil granules, suggesting its potential as a disease biomarker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide updated insights into lactoferrin biology.
- To review its diverse biological properties.
- To explore its clinical utility and potential as a biomarker.
Main Methods:
- This is a narrative review.
- Literature search on lactoferrin biology, properties, and clinical applications.
- Analysis of existing studies on lactoferrin's therapeutic and diagnostic potential.
Main Results:
- Lactoferrin exhibits a wide range of biological activities.
- It has been investigated for therapeutic use in gastrointestinal diseases, neonatal sepsis, lung diseases, and COVID-19 with mixed results.
- Its role as a biomarker for inflammatory diseases is under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Lactoferrin possesses significant biological properties relevant to host defense and inflammation.
- Its therapeutic efficacy is disease- and population-dependent, necessitating further research.
- Lactoferrin holds promise as a biomarker for inflammatory conditions.
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