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livetins

Livetins are a family of soluble serum proteins described in birds. The term traditionally refers to three major isotypes: alpha-livetin, beta-livetin, and gamma-livetin. In birds such as chickens, livetins are present in the circulatory system and can be deposited into the developing egg, where they contribute to the protein complement of the yolk and may participate in nutrient transport and immune defense for the embryo. The exact distribution and function of the livetin isotypes vary by species, and aspects of their biology remain a subject of study.

Biochemically, livetins are distinct from other yolk proteins such as lipovitellins and phosvitin, forming a separate

In humans, livetins can be clinically relevant as allergens. Some avian livetins have been identified as allergenic

In research and taxonomy, livetins are used to study avian protein evolution, allergenicity, and the physiology

See also: lipovitellin, phosvitin, serum albumin.

class
of
soluble
glycoproteins.
They
are
generally
considered
to
play
roles
in
transport
processes,
including
lipid-
and
vitamin-binding,
and
possibly
in
immune
functions.
proteins,
with
cross-reactivity
reported
among
livetins
from
different
bird
species,
contributing
to
bird-related
allergic
syndromes
in
rare
cases.
of
yolk
formation.
They
are
part
of
the
broader
set
of
yolk
and
serum
proteins
that
accompany
embryonic
development.