IRON BINDING AND RECEPTOR: LACTOFERRIN AND TONB RECEPTORS

In this communication, we discuss about biological, structural and other properties of the lactoferrin (LF).  It includes role in iron metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation. LTF also works as an antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic molecule. LF is an iron-binding protein that has been identified in secretions from exocrine glands and in specific granules of neutrophils. On the other hand, TonB-dependent receptors is a family of beta-barrel proteins from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and work as transporters of iron binding protein like LF across the outer membrane at the expense of energy, which is provided by the inner-membrane anchored TonB complex. LF concentrations have been measured mostly in humans but also in other species like camel, cow etc.

LTF;neutrophils;TonB-dependent receptors;beta-barrel proteins;antibacterial;antiviral;antiparasitic