Lactoferrin and cystic fibrosis airway infection

Airway infections in subjects with cystic fibrosis (CF) are the most difficult diseases to treat and represent a real challenge in the management of patients with CF, affecting their quality of life. Lactoferrin (Lf), a cationic glycoprotein able to chelate two Fe3+ ions per molecule with high affinity is one of the most important glycoproteins of natural immunity present in airway secretions. Recently, Lf has emerged as an important regulator of iron and inflammatory homeostasis, exerting multiple functions both dependent and independent on its iron-withholding ability. Herein, the role of iron and Lf in CF airway infection is revised.