Mannose-binding lectin in chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a pattern-recognition molecule of the innate immune system. The roles of MBL and its gene (mbl2) polymorphisms, -221X/Y and codon 54A/B, in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were investigated in this study. We recruited 320 nonprogressed hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers; 199 progressed HBsAg carriers with hepatocellular carcinoma or cirrhosis; 87 spontaneously recovered individuals who were HBsAg negative and anti-HBs and anti HBc positive; and 484 controls who were naïve to HBV.

Modulating effects of mannose binding lectin genotype on arterial stiffness in children after Kawasaki disease.

Systemic arterial stiffness is increased in patients after Kawasaki disease (KD). Recently, associations between mannose-binding lectin (MBL) gene mutation and coronary complications in infants with KD and atherosclerosis in adults have been reported. We tested the hypothesis that MBL genotype modulates arterial stiffness in children after KD.

Role of mannose-binding lectin in the innate defense against Candida albicans: enhancement of complement activation, but lack of opsonic function, in phagocytosis by human dendritic cells.

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum collectin believed to be of importance in innate immunity. We have investigated the role of MBL in the first-line defense against Candida albicans, an opportunistic fungal pathogen. MBL bound C.

Distinct maturation of, but not migration between, human monocyte-derived dendritic cells upon ingestion of apoptotic cells of early or late phases.

Cell death via apoptosis is a normal physiological process. Rapid, but silent, removal of apoptotic cells (ACs) plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in the immune system. Defective clearance of ACs allows ACs to accumulate and undergo late phase apoptosis, also known as secondary necrosis, which may generate danger signals, leading to inflammation or autoimmunity.