Open AccessDifferential microorganism‐induced mannose‐binding lectin activation
Author(s) -
Kuipers Saskia,
Aerts Piet C,
Dijk Hans
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
fems immunology & medical microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1574-695X
pISSN - 0928-8244
DOI - 10.1016/s0928-8244(03)00032-4
Subject(s) - mannan binding lectin , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , lectin pathway , complement system , lectin , pseudomonas aeruginosa , mannose , legionella pneumophila , neisseria meningitidis , alternative complement pathway , bacteria , biochemistry , immunology , immune system , genetics
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.