The Biology of Lactoferrin, an Iron-Binding Protein That Can Help Defend Against Viruses and Bacteria

Kell, DB ORCID: 0000-0001-5838-7963, Heyden, EL and Pretorius, E (2020) The Biology of Lactoferrin, an Iron-Binding Protein That Can Help Defend Against Viruses and Bacteria. Frontiers in Immunology, 11. 1221-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01221

Abstract

© Copyright © 2020 Kell, Heyden and Pretorius. Lactoferrin is a nutrient classically found in mammalian milk. It binds iron and is transferred via a variety of receptors into and between cells, serum, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid. It has important immunological properties, and is both antibacterial and antiviral. In particular, there is evidence that it can bind to at least some of the receptors used by coronaviruses and thereby block their entry. Of importance are Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) and the host receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), as based on other activities lactoferrin might prevent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from attaching to the host cells. Lactoferrin (and more specifically enteric-coated LF because of increased bioavailability) may consequently be of preventive and therapeutic value during the present COVID-19 pandemic.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	lactoferrin, coronaviruses, iron, membrane receptors, HSPGs
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	26 Jun 2020 10:02
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 23:48
DOI:	10.3389/fimmu.2020.01221
Open Access URL:	http://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2020.01221
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3091800