Title:Immunomodulatory Lactoferrin in the Regulation of Apoptosis Modulatory Proteins in Cancer
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Author(s): Rupinder K. Kanwar and Jagat R. Kanwar
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Lactoferrin, apoptosis, anti-apoptotic proteins, immunomodulatory, angiogenesis, cancer, tumour growth, drug resistance, radioresistance, anti-inflammatory
Abstract: Lactoferrin (Lf), an iron binding ~80 kDa glycoprotein is a well characterized multifunctional protein found to
be present in mammalian milk and in most exocrine secretions. Besides Lf’s important physiological roles in the process
of iron homeostasis, iron transportation and sequestration, it is well known for its properties such as anti-microbial, antiviral
anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions. In the recent decade, Lf has gained significant attention for its
future potential use as a safer natural food (bovine milk) derived anti-cancer therapeutic. With regards to Lf’s chemopreventive
effects in targeting carcinogenesis, both animal and human studies have widely reported its immunomodulatory
properties to play a significant role. The deregulation of apoptosis (programmed cell death) mechanisms has not only major
implications for the development of uncontrolled tumour growth but evasion of apoptosis is also an important factor
affecting drug resistance and radioresistance in cancer. With the exception of few studies, the molecular basis by Lf treatment
remains unclear. In this review, by addressing the main features of Lf’s structure and function we discuss the recent
developments in delineating the therapeutic mechanisms of Lf and its effects on the proteins and receptors modulating
apoptosis.
