physiology of mannose binding protein
Last reviewed 01/2018
Mannose binding protein (MBP) is:
- a serum collagenous lectin (collectin)
- an acute phase protein, synthesised in the liver in response to infection
- part of the body's first line of defence
MBP can opsonise pathogens directly, resulting in accelerated phagocytosis.
MBP can activate the classical and alternative complement pathways by:
- taking the place of C1q by binging C1r and C1s
- binding a novel factor (MBP-associated serine protease) which can activate the classical complement pathway