The role of mannose-binding proteins in host defense.
The human mannose-binding protein (MBP) appears to function as an "ante-antibody" as its physiological role is in first line host defense. Low baseline serum levels are rapidly increased as part of the acute phase reactant and circulating MBP can act as a direct opsonin or activate the classical alternative complement pathway. MBP appears to selectively recognize an array of apparently disparate oligosaccharides that decorate gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria as well as certain parasites, yeasts, and fungi. MBP may be considered a "pattern" recognition molecule that has homologs in primitive life forms. Its ability to distinguish self from nonself indicates that it may play an important role in innate immunity.
Harvard Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
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Ezekowitz
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D008358:Mannose / Q000378:metabolism*; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D037241:Mannose-Binding Lectins; D008358:Mannose