MBL (mannose-binding lectin) is primarily a liver-derived collagen-like serum protein. It binds sugar structures on micro-organisms and on dying host cells and is one of the four known mediators that initiate activation of the complement system via the lectin pathway. Common variant alleles situated both in promoter and structural regions of the human MBL gene (MBL2) influence the stability and the serum concentration of the protein. Epidemiological studies have suggested that genetically determined variations in MBL serum concentrations influence the susceptibility to and the course of different types of infectious, autoimmune, neoplastic, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, but this is still a subject under discussion. The fact that these genetic variations are very frequent, indicates a dual role of MBL. This overview summarizes the current molecular understanding of human MBL2 genetics.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
December 2008
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
- PDF Icon PDF LinkFront Matter
- PDF Icon PDF LinkTable of Contents
Conference Article|
November 19 2008
Mannose-binding lectin genetics: from A to Z
Peter Garred
Peter Garred
1
1Department of Clinical Immunology, Section 7631, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
1email garred@post5.tele.dk
Search for other works by this author on:
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
August 21 2008
Online ISSN: 1470-8752
Print ISSN: 0300-5127
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2008 Biochemical Society
2008
Biochem Soc Trans (2008) 36 (6): 1461–1466.
Article history
Received:
August 21 2008
Citation
Peter Garred; Mannose-binding lectin genetics: from A to Z. Biochem Soc Trans 1 December 2008; 36 (6): 1461–1466. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST0361461
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign in to your personal account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Captcha Validation Error. Please try again.