Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is a globular protein found in milk and many mucosal secretions such as tears and saliva. Its molecular atomic mass is 80,000 u (80 kDa). Its receptors have been found on brush-border cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and activated lymphocytes. This protein belongs to the transferrin family proteins (transferrin, melanotransferrin, ovotransferin, etc.) showing a high affinity by iron (ferric state). Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial activity (bacteriocide, fungicide) and is part of the innate defense proteins mainly at mucoses. This protein is present in secondary granules of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and also is secreted by some acinar cells. It has been reported lactoferrin-derived peptides (e.g. lactoferricin, kaliocin-1) with antimicrobial activity.In addition, lactoferrin has also anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities etc. Lactoferrin can be purified from milk or produced recombinantly. Human colostrum has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cow milk.

Related Topics:
Globular protein - Milk - Tears - U - KDa - Transferrin - Bacteriocide - Neutrophil

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