Anti-Inflammatory and Immune-Modulatory Properties of Milk Lactoferrin

Abstract

Lactoferrin, a pleiotropic and multivalent natural protein, derived from bovine and camel milk has become the center of attention in current scientific arena due to its divers immune-modulation and inflammation related properties. Lactoferrin has immense role in host immune defenses as several important immune cells have surface receptors specific for lactoferrin. It has been studied at a great depth for its contribution to immune system as covered in this chapter at the interface between innate and adaptive defenses. The medicinal and biological benefits of lactoferrin are due to its diverse chemical structure. Furthermore, the anti and pro inflammation characteristics of the molecule makes it of utmost interest in medical and therapeutic field. Lactoferrin has the potential to serve as a clinical marker in a number to inflammation related maladies and can be used as a treatment option in oxidative stress mediated inflammation related disorders and for harmful immune allergies. Future research on lactoferrin can not only present it as a prognostic or diagnostic biomarker but also as a remedial solution to cure inflammation related disorders.