REVIEW: Lactoferrin and Its Biological Functions

T. G. Kanyshkova, V. N. Buneva, and G. A. Nevinsky^*

Novosibirsk Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Lavrentieva 8, Novosibirsk, 630090 Russia; fax: (3832) 33-3677; E-mail: Nevinsky@niboch.nsc.ru

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received May 25, 2000; Revision received September 8, 2000

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Lactoferrin, a component of mammalian milk, is a member of the transferrin family. These glycoproteins transfer Fe³⁺ ions. Lactoferrin is a unique polyfunctional protein that influences cell proliferation and differentiation. It can regulate granulopoiesis and DNA synthesis in some cells. Lactoferrin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in human milk macrophages and activates the nonspecific immune response by stimulating phagocytosis and complement. It can interact with DNA, RNA, proteins, polysaccharides, heparin-like polyanions, etc.; in some of its effects, lactoferrin is found in complexes with ligands. It was recently demonstrated that lactoferrin also possesses ribonuclease activity and is a transcription factor. The list of known biological activities of lactoferrin is constantly increasing. This review analyzes possible mechanisms of its polyfunctionality.

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KEY WORDS: human lactoferrin, biological functions, factors underlying polyfunctionality

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