Effect of human lactoferrin on Candida albicans infection and host response interactions in experimental oral candidiasis in mice

•Human lactoferrin (hLF) limits the extent of oral tissue infection by C. albicans.•Administration of hLF limits oral infection in animals lacking endogenous lactoferrin.•HLF modulates key aspects of the host response associated with inflammation.•HLF down regulates C. albicans virulence factors associated with oral tissue invasion.