Table 1  Lactoferrin as a major player in host defense and iron binding, and its use as biomarker for various diseases.
Area of action   References
Protecting neonates via breast milk  (34–41)
LF in cervicovaginal mucosa and female reproductive tract; antibacterial, antifungal antiparasitic, antiviral  (42–45)
LF in the airways  (46, 47)
Mucosal surfaces, allergen-induces skin infections  (48)
Neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) production  (49)
Saliva and its antimicrobial activities and iron binding  (50–52)
Saliva as biomarker for neurological diseases  (53–55)
Saliva as biomarker for periodontal disease and oral dryness  (56–59)