Ovalbumin (abbreviated OVA[1]) is the main protein found in egg white, making up approximately 55% of the total protein.[2] Ovalbumin displays sequence and three-dimensional homology to the serpin superfamily, but unlike most serpins it is not a serine protease inhibitor.[3] The function of ovalbumin is unknown, although it is presumed to be a storage protein.[4]
^Sano K, Haneda K, Tamura G, Shirato K (June 1999). "Ovalbumin (OVA) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli cooperatively polarize anti-OVA T-helper (Th) cells toward a Th1-dominant phenotype and ameliorate murine tracheal eosinophilia". American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology. 20 (6): 1260–7. doi:10.1165/ajrcmb.20.6.3546. PMID10340945. S2CID22811888.
^Hu HY, Du HN (April 2000). "Alpha-to-beta structural transformation of ovalbumin: heat and pH effects". Journal of Protein Chemistry. 19 (3): 177–83. doi:10.1023/A:1007099502179. PMID10981809. S2CID82745511.
^Gettins PG (December 2002). "Serpin structure, mechanism, and function". Chemical Reviews. 102 (12): 4751–804. doi:10.1021/cr010170. PMID12475206.