Lactoferrin is an 80 kDa iron-binding glycoprotein known for its multifunctionality, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. It plays a crucial role in inhibiting bacterial growth by sequestering iron and blocking pathogen adhesion, while also showing potential in neuroprotection and as a therapeutic agent against various viruses. Current research emphasizes the need for advancements in its application across food, feed, and pharmaceutical sectors to enhance efficacy and consumer acceptance.

1. “Multifunctionality of Lactoferrin Protein ”
Karmveer Yadav
Ph.D. Scholar_ABC_NDRI

2.  Lactoferrin (LF) is 80 kDa iron-
binding glycoprotein of transferrin
family.
 It is comprised of single polypeptide
chain(~700 amino acid) folded into two
symmetrical lobes (the N-lobe and C-
lobe).
 Lf is a basic, positively charged protein
with pI of 8-8.5.
 LFs have high affinity (Kd~10-20M).
Montoya et al. (2012)
Prevent from the free radical damage lipid membrane, protein and nucleic acid.
LF differs from Tf in several important aspects including biological location
and iron binding capacity that likely contribute to its unique functional
activities.
Introduction…

3. Introduction…
S. Farnaud et al (2003)

4. In the current scenario of increasing resistance to antibiotics, there is a need
for the discovery of novel antimicrobial drugs.
In neurodegenerative disease development of an efficient gene vector or gene
therapy is a key-limiting factor of blood-brain barrier (BBB).
Continuous chemotherapy- very painful for the patients.
Nanoparticles need to be effective as well as exhibit minimum cytotoxicity
when used in the long run, as this is a major difficulty faced with most metal
based NPs.
bLF as a food ingredient is thought to be safe, because there is a long dietary
history of its use.
Current Therapeutic Options- Its Limitations…

5. Lactoferrin: Beyond nutritional significance
Rogan et al.( 2006)

6. Lactoferrin primary role is to sequester free iron, and in
doing so remove essential substrate required for bacterial
growth.
The carbohydrate moiety in lactoferrin variants blocks the
adhesion of enteric pathogens disrupting their in vivo
colonization.
(Izhar et al.1982)
Basic residues near the N terminus of lactoferrin provide
antimicrobial activity by binding to the surface components of
microbial cells.
Activation of the immune system.
O. Queiroz et al (2013)
(Tomita et al. 1994)
Antibacterial activity…

7. Chávez et al (2009)
Antibacterial Activity Mechanism…

8. Montoya et al.(2012)
Bacteria against which Lf reported effect…

9. (C) Involving apoptosis or inflammatory pathways
Chávez et al (2009)
Lactoferrin as anti-viral activity…
(A) The binding to heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HSGA)
(B) The binding to viral specific receptors

10. Virus (Enveloped) Protein Proposed action
HIV LF
Milk
bLF & hLF block HIV-1 adsorption to target
cells
Inhibits binding of HIV-1 to CD4 receptor
HSV-1 & 2 LF bLF & hLF bind to virus particles & Synergistic
effect with acyclovir
HCMV LF o Interfere with virus into target cells
o Up regulation of killer cells
o Synergistic antiviral effect with cidofovir
HCV LF o Binds to viral envelop proteins E1 & E2
o bLF administrated orally may be the effective
in combination in interferon
Alphavirus LF hLF inhibits interaction of virus with heparan
sulphate receptors
Hantavirus LF o Synergistic effect with ribavirin on viral
replication
o bLF administered orally may be effective in
combination with interferon
HPV LF Interferes with internalisation of virus into host
cells
Virus (Non-Enveloped) Protein Proposed action
PV LF Binds to target cells
Human influenza virus LF Inhibits haem agglutination by the virus
FCV LF bLF interfers with adsorption of virus to target
cells
Adenovirus LF bLF & hLF compete with virus for common
membrane receptors
S. Farnaud et al (2003)

11. A. Degranulation of Neutrophil
B. Phagocytosis
C. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)
D. Proteolytic enzymes secretation
Immunoregulatory activities of lactoferrin
Hans J. Vogel (2012)

12. Lactoferrin defense mechanism of innate immunity
www.google.com

13. Spadaro et al. (2008)
Lactoferrin noval maturation factor for DCs
CD83, CD80 and CD86 = Costimulatory molecule
CXCR4 and CCR7 = Chemokine receptor

14. bLF could be a potent therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases associated
with bone destruction, such as periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis
bLF is a potent anti-inflammatory agent
T. Inubush et. al (2012)

15. Lactoferrin
Increase p27 protein
Decreased phosphorylation
of retinoblastoma protein
Suppression of cyclin E
Lactoferrin Down-Regulates G1 Cyclin-Dependent Kinases during Growth Arrest of Head
and Neck Cancer Cells
Yan Xiao (2004)

18. Behavioral Observation…
Five parameters were measured in this experiment:
Line crossing (number of lines crossed)
Rearing(number of rears)
Active sitting (time in seconds)
Head dipping(number of dips)
Inactive sitting (time in seconds)
Multiple injections of Lf-modified NPs obtained higher GDNF expression and this
gene expression was maintained for a longer time than the one with a single
injection.
Multiple dosing intravenous administration of Lf-modified NPs could significantly
improve locomotor activity, reduce dopaminergic neuronal loss, and enhance
monoamine neurotransmitter levels on rotenone-induced PD rats, which indicates
its powerful neuroprotective effects.
Result

20. L. Rodrigues et al. 2008
Summary

21. Host activities
Bone formation
Anti-inflammatory
Immunomodulatory
Anti-tumoral
Alarmin
Transcription regulator
Immune cell recruitment
Wound healing
Iron binding protein
Iron absorption
Iron sequestration
Inhibit biofilm formatiom
Other activities
Antimicrobial peptide source
Intestinal flora modulation
Antioxidant
Biomarker
Vaccine adjuvant
Direct pathogen activities
Antibacterial
Antifungal
Antiviral
Antiparasitic
Enzymatic activity
Proteinase inhibitor
Lactoferrin
Application

22. Recombinant human lactoferrin is produced by Aspergillus niger, transgenic cows, and
rice, and its efficacy is being evaluated.

23. Natural antimicrobials can provide opportunity for advancing the field of
food preservation and safety; however, additional research is needed to
optimize their applications.
Application of natural antimicrobials in foods that require further research
on their antimicrobial efficacy, consumer acceptability, and cost.
Large-scale production of these compounds from their natural sources
without losing their functional activity, and the approval of their use by
regulatory agencies.
The large potential applications of Lf have led scientists to develop this
nutriceutical protein for use in feed, food and pharmaceutical applications.
Future Prospective…

24. .
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Thank you