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Lactoferrin—a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial properties

2003; Elsevier BV; Volume: 40; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/s0161-5890(03)00152-4

1872-9142

Sébastien Farnaud, Robert W. Evans,

RNA Interference and Gene Delivery

Lactoferrin is a member of the transferrin family of iron-binding proteins. Numerous functions have been reported and continue to be reported for the protein, some of which are related to its iron-binding properties. Its extensive antimicrobial activities were originally attributed to its ability to sequester essential iron, however, it is now established that it possesses bactericidal activities as a result of a direct interaction between the protein or lactoferrin-derived peptides. This article reviews the antimicrobial activities of lactoferrin and discusses the potential mode of action of lactoferrin-derived cationic peptides against Gram-negative bacteria in the light of recent studies.