Mannose-binding Lectin (MBL) is an acute phase protein bearing to the family of collectins produced by the liver as a monomer that forms a triple helix. Once released in serum, it further polymerizes forming dimers to octamers. The degree of serum polymerization is critical for the biological activity of MBL. MBL has higher affinity to microbial polysaccharides or their glycoconjugates. MBL was shown earlier to bind cell surfaces of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses and acts as an acute-phase plasma protein (APP) during infection and inflammation. MBL activates the lectin-complement pathway, promotes opsonophagocytosis and modulates inflammation.
