Lactoferrin (LF), also known as
lactotransferrin (LTF), is a multifunctional
protein of the
transferrin family. Lactoferrin is a
globular glycoprotein with a molecular mass of about 80
kDa that is widely represented in various secretory fluids, such as
milk,
saliva,
tears, and
nasal secretions. Lactoferrin is also present in secondary granules of
PMN and is secreted by some
acinar cells. Lactoferrin can be purified from milk or produced
recombinantly. Human
colostrum (
"first milk") has the highest concentration, followed by human milk, then cow milk (150 mg/L).