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Ontogeny of human mannan‐binding protein, a lectin of the innate immune system
Author(s) -
Thiel S.,
Bjerke T.,
Hansen D.,
Poulsen L. K.,
Schiøtz P. O.,
Jensenius J. C.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
pediatric allergy and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.269
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1399-3038
pISSN - 0905-6157
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3038.1995.tb00252.x
Subject(s) - collectin , ontogeny , ficolin , lectin , mannan , complement system , immune system , immunology , innate immune system , carbohydrate , c type lectin , mannan binding lectin , biology , biochemistry , polysaccharide , endocrinology
Mannan‐binding protein (MBP) is a member of the collectins. These lectins are composed of polypeptide chains which contains a collagen‐like region and a calcium dependent carbohydrate recognition domain (named a C‐type CRD). MBP binds via the CRD to carbohydrate structures on microorganisms. MBP can activate the complement system when bound to carbohydrate. MBP is thus thought to play a role in the defence against microorganisms. The present report describes the ontogeny of MBP. The level of MBP increase during the first 3 months of life, at which time a stable level is reached, comparable to that seen in adults. On average, the level of MBP at term was 37% of the post 3‐month level. Measurements on infants born prematurely showed a 3‐fold increase in MBP concentration from the time of birth at around 30 weeks from conception to the 10th week of life.;