Immune properties of lactoferrin and its protective role in new coronavirus infection COVID-19

Abstract

Thousands of studies have been conducted to study the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, its infectious properties, transmission routes and all associated with the clinical manifestations and severity of COVID-19, especially with potential treatments. Lactoferrin is a member of the transferrin family, which is synthesized by epithelial cells of mammalian internal glands and is widely present in various secretory fluids such as milk, saliva, tears, and nasal secretions. Lactoferrin is one of the components of the innate humoral immunity, regulates the functions of immunocompetent cells and is a acute phase protein. Lactoferrin has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review assesses the possibility of using lactoferrin as a supplement in immunocorrective therapy programs for viral diseases, including the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19.