Evolutionary BiologybioRxivPreprint
Stepwise origin and evolution of a cryptic antimicrobial peptide in mammalian lactoferrin
Titas Sil, Caitlin H. Kowalski, Sierra R. Scamfer, Matthew F. Barber
The paper traces the evolutionary origin of a cryptic antimicrobial peptide in lactoferrin, showing gradual enrichment of cationic and hydrophobic amino acids leading to enhanced bactericidal activity.
DOI 10.64898/2026.02.05.703623