Lactoferrin: a potential candidate to fight respiratory infections in the pandemic COVID-19 era

D. Passali, V. Damiani, F. Cianfrone, G.C. Passali, L.M. Bellussi, G. Ciprandi

Article ID: 5543
Vol 35, Issue 1S2, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23812/21-1supp2-3
Received: 11 March 2021; Accepted: 11 March 2021; Available online: 11 March 2021; Issue release: 11 March 2021

Abstract

Respiratory infections are a significant burden at any age, but especially in childhood and aging. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the issue since there is no specific treatment and vaccine is not available. Moreover, respiratory symptoms cause social stigma in subjects suffering from an infection of any kind. As new drugs require a very long time to be marketed, a natural compounds interest is growing. In this regard, lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein present in secretions, mainly in breast milk. Lactoferrin has marked antimicrobial activity, including antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal. Moreover, lactoferrin strongly affects immune response and cellular control activity. Therefore, this natural component could provide a promising effect in preventing respiratory infections and potentially also for COVID-19.


Keywords

respiratory infections;COVID-19;lactoferrin;food supplement;prevention


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