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Reconstitution of Opsonizing Activity by Infusion of Mannan‐Binding Lectin (MBL) to MBL‐Deficient Humans
Author(s) -
H. Valdimarsson,
M Stefansson,
Thóra Vı́kingsdóttir,
G J Arason,
Christian Koch,
Steffen Thiel,
Jens C. Jensenius
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.934
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1365-3083
pISSN - 0300-9475
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-3083.1998.00396.x
Subject(s) - mannan binding lectin , collectin , antibody opsonization , complement system , immunology , lectin , alternative complement pathway , antibody , mannan , biology , innate immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , lectin pathway , immune system , opsonin , polysaccharide , biochemistry
Mannan‐binding lectin (MBL, previously named mannan‐binding protein, MBP) is a serum collectin, which activates complement upon binding to microbial carbohydrates. This results in opsonization of the micro‐organisms as well as direct complement‐mediated killing. Clinical evidence indicates that MBL has an important role in the innate immune defence against various pathogens. Genetically determined MBL deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to infections. We have infused two MBL‐deficient individuals with clinical grade MBL, purified from pooled donor plasma, in doses sufficient to attain normal concentration of MBL in serum. This resulted in normalization of complement‐mediated opsonization. An initial rapid decrease in the serum concentration of MBL was followed by a slower decline with an estimated half‐life of about 6 days. No adverse effects were observed and anti‐MBL antibodies could not be detected following several MBL infusions. One of the two MBL recipient, a two‐year‐old girl, who had been suffering from repeated infections from the age of 4 months, was given a total of six MBL infusions. She has subsequently remained healthy for more than three years.