title: Ontogeny of human mannan-binding protein, a lectin of the innate immune system.
abstract: Mannan-binding protein (MBP) is a member of the collectins. These lectins are composed of polypeptide chains which contains a collagen-like region and a calcium dependent carbohydrate recognition domain (named a C-type CRD). MBP binds via the CRD to carbohydrate structures on microorganisms. MBP can activate the complement system when bound to carbohydrate. MBP is thus thought to play a role in the defence against microorganisms. The present report describes the ontogeny of MBP. The level of MBP increase during the first 3 months of life, at which time a stable level is reached, comparable to that seen in adults. On average, the level of MBP at term was 37% of the post 3-month level. Measurements on infants born prematurely showed a 3-fold increase in MBP concentration from the time of birth at around 30 weeks from conception to the 10th week of life.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology, University of Aarhus, Denmark.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thiel
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bjerke
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: L K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Poulsen
authors.forename: P O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Schiøtz
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Jensenius
mesh_terms: D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D037222:Collectins; D005312:Fetal Blood; D006801:Humans; D007112:Immunity, Maternally-Acquired; D007223:Infant; D037102:Lectins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D008351:Mannans / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D002352:Carrier Proteins; D037222:Collectins; D037102:Lectins; D008351:Mannans