L-ficolin in children with recurrent respiratory infections.
The lectin pathway of complement activation is used by a collectin, mannan-binding lectin (MBL), and two ficolins, L-ficolin and H-ficolin, to opsonize microorganisms for phagocytosis. We published evidence recently that MBL insufficiency is associated with recurrent respiratory infections in childhood. We have now measured serum L-ficolin in 313 respiratory infection patients and 74 healthy control children. L-ficolin concentrations below the lower limit of the control group were found in 6% of the patients (P <0.02) and were associated most strongly with children having co-existing atopic disorders (11%; P=0.002). We suggest that L-ficolin may have a role in protection from microorganisms complicating allergic disease.
Atkinson
A P M
AP
Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
Cedzynski
M
M
Szemraj
J
J
St Swierzko
A
A
Bak-Romaniszyn
L
L
Banasik
M
M
Zeman
K
K
Matsushita
M
M
Turner
M L
ML
Kilpatrick
D C
DC
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D037102:Lectins / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D012008:Recurrence; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D000097604:Ficolins
D037102:Lectins; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; D000097604:Ficolins