How Does the Protein Transferrin Assist in Defenses Against Parasites

Question

How does the protein transferrin assist in defenses against parasites?
A) It is used in encapsulating parasite eggs.
B) It removes iron from the blood serum in vertebrate hosts and stores it in intracellular compartments.
C) It paralyzes nematode parasites.
D) It allows "memory cells" of the immune system to store information about pathogens, thus providing lifelong immunity.

Accepted Answer

Transferrin assists in defense against parasites by binding and sequestering iron, which is essential for the growth and proliferation of many parasites. By removing iron from the blood serum and storing it in intracellular compartments, transferrin limits the availability of this critical nutrient to parasites, thereby inhibiting their growth.