Laktoferyna - mechanizmy dzialania przeciwwirusowego

Lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding protein from the transferrin family present in mucus secretions such as milk, tears, saliva, seminal and vaginal fluids and also found in several organs and blood. It is well known for having antibacterial, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Lactoferrin is also capable of inhibiting the replication of both DNA- and RNA-viruses. Studies indicate that LF inhibits infection of the host cell by directly binding to virus particles or by binding to target cell molecules that the virus uses as a receptor or co-receptor. Additionally, LF regulates the antiviral response of the immune system through stimulating cells which play an important role during the early phases of viral infection, e.g. natural killer cells, monocytes, macrophages and granulocytes. The use of lactoferrin as an antiviral drug has a promising future, especially in cases of patients with immunosupression.