anti-Lactoferrin, mAb (1B8)

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. Transferrins are iron binding transport proteins which can bind two Fe3+ ions in association with the binding of an anion, usually bicarbonate. Lactotransferrin has antimicrobial activity which depends on the extracellular cation concentration. Lactoferroxins A, B and C have opioid antagonist activity. Lactoferroxin A shows preference for mu-receptors, while lactoferroxin B and C have somewhat higher degrees of preference for κ-receptors than for µ-receptors. The lactotransferrin transferrin-like domain 1 functions as a serine protease of the peptidase S60 family that cuts arginine rich regions. This function contributes to the antimicrobial activity