Mannose-binding lectin engagement with late apoptotic and necrotic cells.

The serum opsonin mannose-binding lectin (MBL) has been shown to be involved in the handling of apoptotic cells. However, at what stage in the process this happens and whether this mediates activation of complement is unknown. Cells rendered apoptotic or necrotic were incubated with purified MBL/MBL-associated serine protease (MASP) complexes and assessed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.