Lactoferrin, with anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory and antimicrobial properties, is a compound that we synthesize naturally. In addition, it is recognized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a nutritional additive.
In a recent study, the Neurovirology group of the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) has revealed the antiviral capacity of bovine lactoferrin against two coronaviruses: SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, and HCoV229E, one of the main agents of colds in humans.
The findings, published in the international journal Viruses , demonstrate the anti-coronavirus activity of liposomal lactoferrin in vitro . According to the researchers, "preliminary trials, both in established cell lines and in human lung models, have shown the potential antiviral capacity of liposomal lactoferrin at non-cytotoxic doses."
The scientists also highlight the advantages of lipid encapsulation over using the compound in its free form. "Liposomal lactoferrin, encapsulated in small lipid capsules called liposomes, has a longer half-life than in its free form, being released more gradually and showing greater effectiveness," they maintain.
The study is signed by José Antonio López-Guerrero and Raquel Bello-Morales as principal researchers, and by predoctoral researcher Sabina Andreu as first author. "Our next step is to advance studies with lactoferrin in animal and clinical models," she says.
"Although the number of patients and the severity of COVID-19 have decreased significantly after the mass administration of vaccines, we continue to face new variants and viral threats, both coronaviruses and other respiratory viruses. Therefore, it is essential to be prepared for combat future infections, either through prevention with vaccines or the use of effective antivirals," the authors conclude.
Image: Structure of human lactoferrin, a compound that we synthesize naturally / Creative Commons
Bibliographic reference: Andreu, S.; Ripa, I.; Bello-Morales, R.; López-Guerrero, JA (2023). " Liposomal Lactoferrin Exerts Antiviral Activity against HCoV-229E and SARS-CoV-2 Pseudoviruses In Vitro ." Viruses, 15, 972. Doi: 10.3390/v15040972
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