Experimental and clinical investigators join forces to explain our current understanding of lactoferrin. Drawing on many disciplines, the front-line authorities writing here define the known structural features of lactoferrin and describe in detail several of its physiological functions. These include the role of lactoferrin in killing bacteria, and its involvement in cell growth and proliferation, in the modulation of immune function, and in iron absorption. Particular attention is given to lactoferrin functions in the regulation of normal and diseased states. New knowledge of the molecular biology of lactoferrin is also included, along with discussions of commercially viable large-scale production techniques and important new industrial applications. This comprehensive, multidisciplinary work should open the door to the greatly expanded use of lactoferrin as a bioactive reagent in foods and pharmaceuticals. Lactoferrin: Interactions and Biological Functions offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary view of our present knowledge of lactoferrin. The book should open the way to the expanded use of lactoferrin as a bioactive reagent in foods and pharmaceuticals.