La lactoferrina como modulador de la respuesta inmunitaria

Mammals produce lactoferrin. It is a nonheme iron binding monomeric glycoprotein considered an essential component of the host innate immune response. The aim of this review was to present the main immunodulatory effects on the after the exposition of heterologous lactoferrin administered by oral or parental routes in experimental animals whether healthy or infected with pathogenic bacteria. Bovine and human lactoferrin enhance or inhibit several humoral and cellular components of immune response involved in prevention or/and resolution of infection and inflammation associated to them. Modulatory effects of heterologous lactoferrin have potential prophylactic, therapeutic, and adjuvant applications. A better understanding of the influence of lactoferrin on immune and inflammatory responses, and its limitations is critically relevant to explore its application on the control of diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria.