Studies

Although lactoferrin has many biological functions, one of the most important among them is the protection of the host against pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and viruses. In this article, we review a study of the protective role of prescribed lactoferrin treatment against common viral infections. Many studies have shown that the in vitro antiviral activity of lactoferrin against viral pathogens causing common infections such as colds, influenza, gastroenteritis, summer flu, and herpes involves inhibition of the virus's attachment to target cells. In recent years, the number of studies indicating the in vivo protective effect of lactoferrin prescribed for oral use against common viral infections has increased. For example, norovirus is a very important emerging human aptogen,which is the cause of most outbreaks of gastroenteritis in the world and could be a target candidate for lactoferrin administration. Lactoferrin reduction reduced the incidence of norovirus-induced gastroenteritis in children, and in a preliminary study, a similar effect was observed in patients of all ages. A recent in vitro study reported that lactoferrin inhibited both the cellular attachment of norovirus in mice, a virus that is closely related to human norovirus, and the replication of the virus in cells by inducing the antiviral cytokine interferon (IFN) -α / ß. The administration of lactoferrin also improves the activity of NK cells and the response of Th1 cytokines, which leads to protection against viral infections. In conclusion,Lactoferrin intake can protect the host from viral infections by inhibiting the attachment of the virus to the cells, the multiplication of the virus in the cells and the improvement of the functions of the immune system.