Recombinant Bovine Lactoferrin

Recombinant Bovine Lactoferrin (rbLf) is a biosimilar form of bovine lactoferrin (bLf), an iron-binding glycoprotein. It is produced through precision fermentation (e.g., in Komagataella phaffii or Pichia pastoris) or other expression systems (e.g., E. coli, baculovirus, Rhodococcus erythropolis) to increase its availability. rbLf is structurally and functionally similar to native bLf, retaining its ability to bind and release iron, bind to intestinal lactoferrin receptors, promote epithelial cell growth, and exhibit antimicrobial activity against various bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and the yeast-like fungus Prototheca zopfii. It also binds lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and antagonizes LPS-induced toll-like receptor 4 activity, contributing to its immunomodulatory properties. It is being investigated for its efficacy in iron regulation, gut health, immune function, and exercise performance.