Mannose-binding lectin serum levels in patients with leprosy are influenced by age and MBL2 genotypes.

Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates the complement system promoting opsonophagocytosis, which could represent an advantage for Mycobacterium leprae, an intracellular pathogen. Therefore, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MBL2 gene associated with low levels of MBL could confer protection against the development of leprosy disease.

Methods: In this study, we investigated SNPs of the MBL2 gene and MBL levels in 228 Brazilian leprosy patients and 232 controls.