title: Lessons learned from murine models of mannose-binding lectin deficiency.
abstract: MBL (mannose-binding lectin) is a pattern recognition molecule and a component of innate immunity, the first line of the host defence system against foreign bodies and pathogens. MBL deficiency is common in humans and has been associated with immunodeficiency. We have generated mouse models of MBL deficiency in order to explore the molecular mechanisms of MBL function in disease and health. In addition to confirming findings from human clinical research, these model studies have uncovered unexpected roles of MBL and evidence of its interaction with other molecules of the innate immune system.
authors.affiliation: Programs of Developmental Immunology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. ktakahashi1@partners.org
authors.forename: Kazue
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Takahashi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000276:immunology; D019281:Dimerization; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000187:drug effects; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors