The development of awareness of iron-withholding defense
Article Abstract:
Withholding of iron from microorganisms is an important defense in fighting off infections. There are at least three known proteins which act as antimicrobials by witholding iron. Ovotransferrin is an 80 kDa iron-binding protein initially observed by Arthur Schade and Leone Caroline in the raw egg white. Schade and Caroline also characterized siderophyllin in human plasma which Holmberg and Laurell renamed transferrin, having discovered that it can also transport iron. Lactoferrin, on the other hand, was observed in human exocrine secretions and later as a major component of circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophil granules.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1993
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The lactobacillus anomaly: total iron abstinence
Article Abstract:
Studies revealed that the gram positive bacteria Lactobacillus sp. and a few closely related forms can survive and grow with little or no iron. Lactobacilli employ unique co-factors such as non-heme managano-catalase in various enzymes and accumulate divalent manganous ions in a highly dialyzable form as defense against toxic superoxide radical. Iron-free existence allows lactobacilli to occupy a variety of low-iron environment but limits their ability to compete with iron-dependent bacteria in iron-available environments.
Publication Name: Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0031-5982
Year: 1997
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Lactoferrin, lactoferrin receptors and iron metabolism
Article Abstract:
Lactoferrin is an iron-binding glycoprotein whose crystallographic structure shows that it is folded into two globular lobes, each with an iron-binding site. It is reputed to have several biological functions including growth and development stimulation, bacteriostasis, immune response regulation and iron absorption. However, further studies are needed to characterize lactoferrin and its receptors to elucidate its precise role in the body.
Publication Name: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-3007
Year: 1993
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