mannan-binding lectin

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), also known as mannose-binding lectin, is a key component of the innate immune system's lectin complement pathway. It is a pattern-recognition molecule that identifies and binds to specific carbohydrate patterns, such as mannose and N-acetylglucosamine, on the surfaces of various pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Upon binding, MBL recruits and activates MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP-1, MASP-2, and MASP-3), which subsequently trigger the complement cascade, leading to pathogen opsonization, phagocytosis, and lysis. MBL replacement therapy, developed by Prothya Biosolutions (formerly Sanquin), is intended to restore immune function in individuals with MBL deficiency, particularly those at increased risk of severe infections, such as pediatric cancer patients experiencing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Other names

mannose-binding lectinmannose-binding proteinMBPMBL1MBL-1MBL 1recombinant human mannose binding lectin