Lactoferrin, globular glycoprotein belongs to transferrin protein family. It is mapped to human chromosome 3p21.31. Lactoferrin comprises 692 amino acids with two globular lobes linked by α-helix and belongs to transferrin family. It exists in three isoforms namely lactoferrin-α, lactoferrin-γ, and lactoferrin-β. Lactoferrin corresponds to a molecular weight of 80 kDa.
A primary function of lactoferrin is to bind and transport iron ions. However, lactoferrin is also an effective antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, catalytic (RNA degrading), anti-cancer molecule. It elicits anti-inflammatory effects in asthma. It has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functionality and is a potential protein nutraceutical.
