Lactoferrin (LF) is a Fe 3+ -binding glycoprotein, first recognized in milk and then in other human epithelial secretions and barrier fluids. Many different functions have been attributed to LF, including protection from iron-induced lipid peroxidation, immunomodulation and cell growthregulation, DNA binding, and transcriptional acti-vation. Its physiological role is still unclear, but it has been suggested to be responsible for primary defense against microbial and viral infection.
