Lactoferrin (Lf)

Lactoferrin(Lf), one of transferrin family, is found in external fluids, including milk and mucosal secretions, and prominent components of the secondary granules of neutrophils. Lf consists of a single polypeptide chain (approximately 80 kDa) folded into two structurally homologous lobes, each of which can reversibly bind one ferric ion (Fe3+). Lf plays a central role in iron metabolism and host defense system against microbial infection.