Lactoferrin

(noun)

Lactoferrin (LF), also known as lactotransferrin (LTF), is a multifunctional protein of the transferrin family. Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein with a molecular mass of about 80 kDa. It is widely represented in various secretory fluids such as milk, saliva, tears, and nasal secretions.

Related Terms

Examples of Lactoferrin in the following topics:

  • Iron-Binding Proteins

    • Iron binding proteins of the innate immune system include lactoferrin and transferrins.
    • Lactoferrin is a globular glycoprotein with a molecular mass of about 80 kDa.
    • Lactoferrin can be purified from milk or produced recombinantly.
    • Lactoferrin is one of the components of the immune system of the body.
    • Richardson diagram of recombinant human lactoferrin.

  • Natural Passive Immunity

    • In addition to the IgA and IgG, human milk also contains: oligosaccharides and mucins that adhere to bacteria and viruses to interfere with their attachment to host cells; lactoferrin to bind iron and make it unavailable to most bacteria; B12 binding protein to deprive bacteria of needed vitamin B12; bifidus factor that promotes the growth of Lactobacillus bifidus, normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract of infants that crowds out harmful bacteria; fibronectin that increases the antimicrobial activity of macrophages and helps repair tissue damage from infection in the gastrointestinal tract; gamma-interferon, a cytokine that enhances the activity of certain immune cells; hormones and growth factors that stimulate the baby's gastrointestinal tract to mature faster and be less susceptible to infection; and lysozyme to break down peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls.

  • Siderophores

    • Iron is tightly bound to proteins such as hemoglobin, transferrin, lactoferrin, and ferritin.