Abstract

MERLIN LINARES, Julio C et al. Manosse-binding lectin: biological activity and significance . Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [online]. 2006, vol.22, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-2996.

Manosse-binding lectin (MBL) is a colectin that is synthesized in the liver and is secreted to the the blood stream. It is capable of binding to other repeated structures of sugars present in a wide variety of bacteria and other microorganisms, promoting their elimination by the activation of the complement through associated serin proteases. The MBL deficiencies are considered as an important risk factor for infections in children and immunosuppressed individuals. It is discussed the evidence that  MBL contributes in an important way to the innate immunity with the increase of susceptibility to certain diseases or the incidence on their course. Preliminary studies on the use of replacement therapies with MBL have yielded encouraging results, which should offer evidences about the physiological significance of this protein

Keywords : Manosse-binding lectin; complement; innate immunity.