title: Biochemistry and genetics of mannan-binding lectin (MBL).
abstract: Mannose- or mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a member of the collectin protein family, which includes lung surfactant proteins SP-A and SP-D. Each member consists of similar or identical polypeptide chains with a region of collagen-like sequence followed by a C-type lectin domain. The polypeptides associate in threes to form a subunit containing a collagen-like helix, with three clustered lectin domains. These subunits associate into larger structures, usually with 12-18 polypeptides. The collectins bind to patterns of neutral sugars on surfaces (e.g. of micro-organisms) and mediate effector functions associated with killing/phagocytosis. MBL is the only collectin which activates complement. It resembles in quaternary structure the complement protein C1q, which recognizes targets via charge clusters. Binding of MBL to a surface activates MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) attached to MBL, and MASP-2 activates complement proteins C4 and C2. The MASPs are homologous to the C1q-associated proteases, C1r and C1s. MBL therefore activates complement by a mechanism very similar to C1q, and engages the opsonic activity of complement to clear micro-organisms. The serum concentration of MBL is very variable in humans. The variability is largely associated with mutations leading to amino acid substitutions in the collagen-like region which decrease MBL assembly and stability. Many studies demonstrate that MBL deficiency is associated with susceptibility to a range of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
authors.affiliation: MRC Immunochemistry Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Oxford University, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Presanis
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kojima
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Sim
mesh_terms: D037582:Complement Pathway, Mannose-Binding Lectin; D006801:Humans; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases