title: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and mannan-binding lectin (MBL): on constant alert in a hostile environment.
abstract: In the beginning were neither B cells nor T cells nor antibodies, but innate immune defense alone. The primary functional theme of innate immunity is the distinction between self and non-self, which is maintained by a vast number of cellular and subcellular components. In this context, the immense importance of the Toll-like receptors (TLRs) is well established. Positive (Darwinian) selection seems to be acting on the ligand-binding domains of these molecules, suggesting a selection pattern similar to that previously observed in the MHC proteins. In sharp contrast to TLRs, the biological significance of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is controversial, and, concerning humans, it has been suggested that low concentration of MBL in serum represents a selective advantage. In this mini-review, based on a doctoral thesis, evolutionary aspects of TLRs and MBL are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Linnaeus University, School of Natural Sciences, SE-39182 Kalmar, Sweden. ingrid-maria.bergman@lnu.se
authors.forename: Ingrid-Maria
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Bergman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin / Q000378:metabolism*; D010944:Plants / Q000378:metabolism; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D037601:Mannose-Binding Lectin; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors