Lactoferrin and its biological functions

Lactoferrin, a component of mammalian milk, is a member of the transferrin family. These glycoproteins transfer Fe3+ ions. Lactoferrin is a unique pol yfunctional protein that influences cell proliferation and differentiation. It can regulate granulopoiesis and DNA synthesis in some cells. Lactoferri n inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in human milk macrophages and activates the nonspecific immune response by stimulating phagocytosis and complement. It can interact with DNA, RNA, proteins, polysaccharides, heparin-tike pol yanions, etc.; in some of its effects, lactoferrin is found in complexes wi th ligands. It was recently demonstrated that lactoferrin also possesses ri bonuclease activity and is a transcription factor. The list of known biolog ical activities of lactoferrin is constantly increasing. This review analyz es possible mechanisms of its polyfunctionality.