Human Mannose-binding Lectin in Immunity: Friend, Foe, or Both?

J Exp Med. 2004 May 17;199(10):1295-9. doi: 10.1084/jem.20040537.

Abstract

Human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) recognizes a wide range of microorganisms and triggers the most ancient pathway of complement activation. However, approximately 5% of individuals lack functional serum MBL and have not been found to be prone to severe infections in prospective studies. These data suggest that human MBL is largely redundant for protective immunity and may even have been subject to counter selection because of a deleterious impact.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Geography
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • Immunity*
  • Infections / immunology
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / deficiency
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / genetics*
  • Mannose-Binding Lectin / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Models, Animal

Substances

  • Mannose-Binding Lectin