Differential microorganism-induced mannose-binding lectin activation.
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum complement factor playing a dominant role in first-line defense. When MBL binds to specific sugar moieties on microorganisms, the lectin complement pathway (LCP) is activated. Changes in the mbl gene and promotor may result in MBL with less activity, predisposing the individual to recurrent infections. Using a functional MBL assay, we investigated at what concentration different microbes activated MBL. Less than 1 colony-forming unit (CFU) of Neisseria meningitidis groups B and C still activated MBL, which may be ascribed to filterable blebs. Nocardia farcinica and Legionella pneumophila activated MBL well, which raises new questions about host susceptibility. In contrast to other research, Pseudomonas aeruginosa activated the LCP potently.
Eijkman-Winkler Center for Microbiology, Inflammation and Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Utrecht, G04.614, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands. skuipers@labmicta.nl
Saskia
S
Kuipers
Piet C
PC
Aerts
Hans
H
van Dijk
D000117:Acetylglucosamine / Q000378:metabolism; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000276:immunology*; D006094:Gram-Positive Bacteria / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008358:Mannose / Q000378:metabolism; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000276:immunology*
D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; D008358:Mannose; D000117:Acetylglucosamine