Title: Mannose-binding lectin deficiency increases susceptibility to influenza A virus infection. (37.20)
Abstract: Abstract Influenza A virus (IAV) infection can cause life-threatening condition even in individuals who are otherwise healthy. IAV infects the airway and the lung, where lung-surfactant protein-A (SP-A), SP-D and alveolar macrophages are thought to be primary innate immune protection. SP-A and SP-D belong to the collectin family that also includes a serum protein, mannose-binding lectin (MBL), that shares structural and functional similarities to lung collectins. MBL is a broad-spectrum pattern recognition molecule that plays a key role in first line host defense as an activator of the lectin complement pathway. In this study, we have found that MBL null mice have increased susceptibility to IAV infection and that recombinant MBL improves the infection. The anti-viral mechanisms of MBL include initiation of the lectin complement pathway as well as a thrombin-like activity that requires the cooperation of other serum factors. These results also demonstrate the ability of MBL to modulate leukocyte recruitment and inflammation in infected lungs. These findings reveal that MBL plays a key role in clearing IAV and maintaining lung homeostasis. In addition, our results suggest that MBL deficiency may be a risk factor in IAV infection and that MBL may be useful as a therapy against IAV infection.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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