Lactoferrin

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein of the transferrin family, with a molecular mass of about 80 kDa. Found in various secretory fluids such as milk, saliva, tears, and nasal secretions, it is a key component of the body's immune system, supporting immunity, health, and nutrition. Lactoferrin is known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, making it an important host defense molecule. It is distributed in secretory fluids and neutrophilic granules of leukocytes, with the N-terminal part containing a serine protease that inactivates the type III secretion system used by bacteria to export virulence proteins.