Lactoferrin, a multi-functional glycoprotein: Active therapeutic, drug nanocarrier & targeting ligand.

ABSTRACT: Recent progress in protein-based nanomedicine, inspired by the success of Abraxane® albumin-paclitaxel nanoparticles, have resulted in novel therapeutics used for treatment of challenging diseases like cancer and viral infections. However, absence of specific drug targeting, poor pharmacokinetics, premature drug release, and off-target toxicity are still formidable challenges in the clinic. Therefore, alternative protein-based nanomedicines were developed to overcome those challenges. In this regard, lactoferrin (Lf), a glycoprotein of transferrin family, offers a promising biodegradable well tolerated material that could be exploited both as an active therapeutic and drug nanocarrier. This review highlights the major pharmacological actions of Lf including anti-cancer, antiviral, and immu

SUBMITTER: Elzoghby AO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7480805 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature