Antiinflammatory activities of lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a non-heme iron binding glycoprotein produced during lactati on and by epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces. The protein is a prominent component of the first line of mammalian host defense and its expression is upregulated in response to inflammatory stimuli. In this paper, the antiba cterial and immune modulatory properties of lactoferrin that contribute to host defense are reviewed. In addition, the results of recent preclinical a nd clinical studies demonstrating that lactoferrin acts as an inhibitor of dermal inflammatory cytokine production are summarized. The results indicat e that lactoferrin may act as a potent anti-inflammatory protein at local s ites of inflammation including the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.