MannoseBindungsspezifität
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), also known as mannose-binding protein (MBP), is a soluble pattern recognition molecule that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system. It belongs to the collectin family of proteins, characterized by a collagen-like region and a C-type lectin domain. MBL circulates in the blood and is produced primarily by the liver. Its main function is to recognize and bind to specific carbohydrate patterns, particularly mannose and N-acetylglucosamine, found on the surface of various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. This binding is dependent on calcium ions.
Upon binding to a pathogen, MBL can initiate an immune response through several mechanisms. It can directly