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Ruffles T, Basu K, Inglis SK, Bremner S, Rabe H, Memon A, Seddon P, Tavendale R, Palmer CNA, Mukhopadhyay S, Fidler K. Mannose-binding lectin genotype is associated with respiratory disease in young children: A multicenter cohort study. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57:2824-2833. [PMID: 35949104 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of the innate immune system. Polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene and promoter region are directly associated with MBL-deficiency. We sought to determine the association between MBL genotype on the frequency of common childhood respiratory infections, respiratory symptoms, and atopic outcomes in early childhood. METHODS MBL2 gene variants were analyzed in newborns recruited to the GO-CHILD multicenter prospective cohort study. Follow-up for respiratory infection and atopy diagnoses and symptoms, healthcare utilization, and medication prescription were conducted by postal questionnaires at 12 and 24 months. RESULTS Genotyping and follow-up were completed in 1004 children. Genotypes associated with MBL-deficiency were associated with an increased risk of bronchiolitis (relative risk [RR] 1.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33-2.85) and pneumonia (RR 2.46, 95% CI 1.16-5.22). MBL-deficient genotypes were associated with an increased risk of wheeze with shortness of breath episodes (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.04-1.43), emergency department attendance (RR 1.90 95% CI 1.13-3.19), and hospital admission (RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.04-3.89) for wheeze. MBL-deficient genotypes were associated with a reduced risk of developing atopic dermatitis (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53-0.98). CONCLUSION The positive association between MBL-deficient genotypes and bronchiolitis and pneumonia, as well as a severe wheeze phenotype in some young children, supports the hypothesis that MBL is an important component of innate immunity in the vulnerable period before the maturation of the adaptive immune system. Identification of disease-modifying genotypes may help target preventative strategies in high-risk infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Ruffles
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Kaninika Basu
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sarah K Inglis
- Tayside Clinical Trials Unit, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Heike Rabe
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Anjum Memon
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Paul Seddon
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Roger Tavendale
- Biomedical Research Institute, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Colin N A Palmer
- Pat McPherson Centre for Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacogenomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Somnath Mukhopadhyay
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Katy Fidler
- Academic Department of Paediatrics, Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK.,Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Zinyama-Gutsire RB, Chasela C, Madsen HO, Rusakaniko S, Kallestrup P, Christiansen M, Gomo E, Ullum H, Erikstrup C, Munyati S, Kurewa EN, Stray-Pedersen B, Garred P, Mduluza T. Role of mannose-binding lectin deficiency in HIV-1 and schistosoma infections in a rural adult population in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122659. [PMID: 25830474 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polymorphism in the MBL2 gene lead to MBL deficiency, which has been shown to increase susceptibility to various bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. We assessed role of MBL deficiency in HIV-1 and schistosoma infections in Zimbabwean adults enrolled in the Mupfure Schistosomiasis and HIV Cohort (MUSH Cohort). METHODS HIV-1, S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections were determined at baseline. Plasma MBL concentration was measured by ELISA and MBL2 genotypes determined by PCR. We calculated and compared the proportions of plasma MBL deficiency, MBL2 structural variant alleles B (codon 54A>G), C (codon 57A>G), and D (codon 52T>C) as well as MBL2 promoter variants -550(H/L), -221(X/Y) and +4(P/Q) between HIV-1 and schistosoma co-infection and control groups using Chi Square test. RESULTS We assessed 379 adults, 80% females, median age (IQR) 30 (17-41) years. HIV-1, S. haematobium and S. mansoni prevalence were 26%, 43% and 18% respectively in the MUSH baseline survey. Median (IQR) plasma MBL concentration was 800μg/L (192-1936μg/L). Prevalence of plasma MBL deficiency was 18% with high frequency of the C (codon 57G>A) mutant allele (20%). There was no significant difference in median plasma MBL levels between HIV negative (912μg/L) and HIV positive (688μg/L), p = 0.066. However plasma MBL levels at the assay detection limit of 20μg/L were more frequent among the HIV-1 infected (p = 0.007). S. haematobium and S. mansoni infected participants had significantly higher MBL levels than uninfected. All MBL2 variants were not associated with HIV-1 infection but promoter variants LY and LL were significantly associated with S. haematobium infection. CONCLUSION Our data indicate high prevalence of MBL deficiency, no evidence of association between MBL deficiency and HIV-1 infection. However, lower plasma MBL levels were protective against both S. haematobium and S. mansoni infections and MBL2 promoter and variants LY and LL increased susceptibility to S. haematobium infection.
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Pretorius MA, Madhi SA, Cohen C, Naidoo D, Groome M, Moyes J, Buys A, Walaza S, Dawood H, Chhagan M, Haffjee S, Kahn K, Puren A, Venter M. Respiratory viral coinfections identified by a 10-plex real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction assay in patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory illness--South Africa, 2009-2010. J Infect Dis 2013; 206 Suppl 1:S159-65. [PMID: 23169964 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jis538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data about respiratory coinfections with 2009 pandemic influenza A virus subtype H1N1 during the 2009-2010 influenza pandemic in Africa are limited. We used an existing surveillance program for severe acute respiratory illness to evaluate a new multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and investigate the role of influenza virus and other respiratory viruses in pneumonia hospitalizations during and after the influenza pandemic in South Africa. METHODS The multiplex assay was developed to detect 10 respiratory viruses, including influenza A and B viruses, parainfluenza virus types 1-3, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enterovirus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), adenovirus (AdV), and rhinovirus (RV), followed by influenza virus subtyping. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal specimens were collected from patients hospitalized with pneumonia at 6 hospitals during 2009-2010. RESULTS Validation against external quality controls confirmed the high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (100%) and user-friendliness, compared with other PCR technologies. Of 8173 patients, 40% had single-virus infections, 17% had coinfections, and 43% remained negative. The most common viruses were RV (25%), RSV (14%), AdV (13%), and influenza A virus (5%). Influenza virus, RSV, PIV type 3, and hMPV showed seasonal patterns. CONCLUSION The data provide a better understanding of the viral etiology of hospitalized cases of pneumonia and demonstrate the usefulness of this multiplex assay in respiratory disease surveillance in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthi A Pretorius
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Service, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Chu MA, Lee EJ, Park HJ, Lee KH, Kim WT, Chung HL. Increased serum surfactant protein-D in the infants with acute respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis. Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.4168/aard.2013.1.3.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ae Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Eun Joo Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Kye Hyang Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Woo Taek Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hai Lee Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Catholic University of Daegu School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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Choi EH, Lee HJ, Chanock SJ. Human genetics and respiratory syncytial virus disease: current findings and future approaches. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2013; 372:121-37. [PMID: 24362687 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-38919-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can result in a wide spectrum of pulmonary manifestations, from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Although there are several known risk factors for severe RSV disease, namely, premature birth, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, and T cell immunodeficiency, the majority of young children who develop severe RSV disease are otherwise healthy children. Genetic susceptibility to RSV infection is emerging as a complex trait, in which many different host genetic variants contribute to risk for distinct disease manifestations. Initially, host genetic studies focused on severe RSV disease using the candidate gene approach to interrogate common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Many studies have reported genetic associations between severe RSV bronchiolitis and SNPs in genes within plausible biological pathways, such as in innate host defense genes (SPA, SPD, TLR4, and VDR), cytokine or chemokine response genes (CCR5, IFN, IL6, IL10, TGFB1), and altered Th1/Th2 immune responses (IL4, IL13). Due to the complexity of RSV susceptibility, genome studies done on a larger scale, such as genome-wide association studies have certainly identified more of the host factors that contribute to the development of severe RSV bronchiolitis or excessive pathology. Furthermore, whole-genome approaches can reveal robust associations between genetic markers and RSV disease susceptibility. Recent introduction of 'exome' genotyping or sequencing, which specifically analyzes the majority of coding variants, should be fruitful in sufficiently large, well-powered studies. The advent of new genomic technologies together with improved computational tools offer the promise of interrogating the host genome in search of genetic factors, rare, uncommon, or common that should give new insights into the underlying biology of susceptibility to or protection from severe RSV infection. Careful assessment of novel pathways and further identification of specific genes could identify new approaches for vaccine development and perhaps lead to effective risk modeling.
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Nuolivirta K, He Q, Gröndahl-Yli-Hannuksela K, Koponen P, Korppi M, Helminen M. Mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphisms in infants with bronchiolitis and post-bronchiolitis wheezing. Allergol Int 2012; 61:305-9. [PMID: 22441636 DOI: 10.2332/allergolint.11-oa-0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) encoded by the MBL2 gene, is an important component of the innate immunity. Low levels have been linked with respiratory infections and both high and low levels with allergy and asthma. The aims of the study were to evaluate the connection between polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene and viral findings, clinical characteristics and subsequent wheezing in young infants with bronchiolitis. METHODS In all, 129 full-term infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis at age less than 6 months have been followed-up until the mean age of 1.5 years. The genotyping of the MBL2 gene mutations was made by pyrosequencing for a simultaneous detection of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). RESULTS The MBL genotypes or allele frequencies had no significant associations with clinical characteristics of bronchiolitis. The 41 children with variant genotypes were more often infected by multiple viruses (21.9%, p = 0.047) than children with wild-type A/A genotypes (9.1%). In addition, more children with variant genotypes (31.7%, p = 0.016) had used corticosteroids because of post-bronchiolitis wheezing, compared to those with wild-type A/A genotypes (13.6%). No other significant associations with viral findings or post-bronchiolitis outcomes were found. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary evidence was found that the variant non-A/A genotypes may be associated with susceptibility to multiple viral infections and more severe post-bronchiolitis wheezing requiring treatment with corticosteroids.
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Abstract
In pathogen recognition by C-type lectins, several levels of complexity can be distinguished; these might modulate the immune response in different ways. Firstly, the pathogen-associated molecular pattern repertoire expressed at the microbial surface determines the interactions with specific receptors (Fig. 42.1). Secondly, each immune cell type possesses a specific set of pathogen-recognition receptors. Thirdly, changes in the cell-surface distribution of C-type lectins regulate carbohydrate binding by modulating receptor affinity for different ligands. Crosstalk between these receptors results in a network of multimolecular complexes, adding a further level of complexity in pathogen recognition (Cambi and Figdor 2005; Thiel et al. 2006) (see 10.1007/978-3-7091-1065-2_23). MBL deficiency is genetically determined and predisposes to recurrent infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. MBL deficiency has been implicated in susceptibility and course of viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infection. More than 10% of the general population may, depending on definition, be classified as MBL deficient, underlining the redundancy of the immune system. MBL-disease association studies have been a fruitful area of research, which implicates a role for MBL in infective, inflammatory and autoimmune disease processes. MBL deficiency predisposes both to infection by extra-cellular pathogens and to autoimmune disease.
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Abstract
In global terms, respiratory viral infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Infancy, in particular, is a time of increased disease susceptibility and severity. Early-life viral infection causes acute illness and can be associated with the development of wheezing and asthma in later life. The most commonly detected viruses are respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (RV), and influenza virus. In this review we explore the complete picture from epidemiology and virology to clinical impact and immunology. Three striking aspects emerge. The first is the degree of similarity: although the infecting viruses are all different, the clinical outcome, viral evasion strategies, immune response, and long-term sequelae share many common features. The second is the interplay between the infant immune system and viral infection: the immaturity of the infant immune system alters the outcome of viral infection, but at the same time, viral infection shapes the development of the infant immune system and its future responses. Finally, both the virus and the immune response contribute to damage to the lungs and subsequent disease, and therefore, any prevention or treatment needs to address both of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Tregoning
- Centre for Infection, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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Schlapbach LJ, Latzin P, Regamey N, Kuehni CE, Zwahlen M, Casaulta C, Aebi C, Frey U. Mannose-binding lectin cord blood levels and respiratory symptoms during infancy: a prospective birth cohort study. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2009; 20:219-26. [PMID: 18700861 PMCID: PMC7167943 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3038.2008.00782.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory infections cause considerable morbidity during infancy. The impact of innate immunity mechanisms, such as mannose-binding lectin (MBL), on respiratory symptoms remains unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate whether cord blood MBL levels are associated with respiratory symptoms during infancy and to determine the relative contribution of MBL when compared with known risk factors. This is a prospective birth cohort study including 185 healthy term infants. MBL was measured in cord blood and categorized into tertiles. Frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms were assessed weekly until age one. Association with MBL levels was analysed using multivariable random effects Poisson regression. We observed a trend towards an increased incidence rate of severe respiratory symptoms in infants in the low MBL tertile when compared with infants in the middle MBL tertile [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 1.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95-2.66; p = 0.076]. Surprisingly, infants in the high MBL tertile suffered significantly more from severe and total respiratory symptoms than infants in the middle MBL tertile (IRR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.20-3.25; p = 0.008). This association was pronounced in infants of parents with asthma (IRR = 3.64; 95% CI: 1.47-9.02; p = 0.005). The relative risk associated with high MBL was similar to the risk associated with well-known risk factors such as maternal smoking or childcare. In conclusion the association between low MBL levels and increased susceptibility to common respiratory infections during infancy was weaker than that previously reported. Instead, high cord blood MBL levels may represent a so far unrecognized risk factor for respiratory morbidity in infants of asthmatic parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luregn Jan Schlapbach
- Division of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Berne, Berne CH-3010, Switzerland
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Abstract
SUMMARY To explain the wide spectrum of disease severity caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and because of the limitations of animal models to fully parallel human RSV disease, study of genetic influences on human RSV disease severity has begun. Candidate gene approaches have demonstrated associations of severe RSV in healthy infants with genetic polymorphisms that may alter the innate ability of humans to control RSV (surfactants, Toll-like receptor 4, cell surface adhesion molecules, and others) and those that may control differences in proinflammatory responses or enhanced immunopathology (specific cytokines and their receptors). These studies are reviewed. They are valuable since an understanding of the direction of a polymorphism's effect can help construct a meaningful human RSV disease pathogenesis model. However, the direction, degree, and significance of the statistical association for any given gene are equivocal among studies, and the functional significance of specific polymorphisms is often not even known. Polymorphism frequency distribution differences associated with RSV infection arising from diversity in the genetic background of the population may be confounded further by multiple-hypothesis testing and publication bias, as well as the investigator's perceived importance of a particular pathogenic disease process. Such problems highlight the limitation of the candidate gene approach and the need for an unbiased large-scale genome-wide association study to evaluate this important disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Miyairi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, Memphis, Tennessee 38103, USA
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Ribeiro LZ, Tripp RA, Rossi LM, Palma PV, Yokosawa J, Mantese OC, Oliveira TF, Nepomuceno LL, Queiróz DA. Serum mannose-binding lectin levels are linked with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. J Clin Immunol 2008; 28:166-73. [PMID: 17952574 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-007-9141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Accepted: 09/19/2007] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The innate immune response facilitates the quality of the adaptive immune response and is critical to an individual's susceptibility to infection and disease. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a plasma protein with anti-microbial properties that binds a wide range of pathogens to flag them for immune destruction independent of antibodies. In this study, serum MBL levels were measured in 81 children <5 years old experiencing acute respiratory syncytial virus infection and in 40 control children to determine the association with disease severity. Almost 70% of all RSV-infected children had low to intermediate MBL levels (<500 ng/ml) compared to controls, and most of the <6 months old RSV interned patients had low to intermediate levels. No differences were detected in MBL levels between case and control children <1 month old. Analysis of the T-cell compartment in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from acute RSV-infected and control children showed that the percent CD4+ T cells was statistically lower in RSV-infected children > or =6 months old compared to controls, while the percent CD8+ T cells in RSV-infected and control PBMC was generally similar. These results suggest that low serum MBL levels may be a marker of RSV disease severity in children and that MBL may be important in limiting RSV disease pathogenesis.
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Abstract
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a recognition molecule of the lectin pathway of complement and a key component of innate immunity. MBL variant alleles have been described in the coding region of the MBL gene, which are associated with low MBL serum concentration and impaired MBL structure and function. Both high and low serum levels of functional MBL have been associated with a variety of diseases and disease complications. Functioning as double-edged sword, low MBL serum levels have been shown to enhance the risk for infections. On the other hand, high MBL serum levels and high MBL activity have been associated with inflammatory diseases, transplant rejection, and diabetic nephropathy. Underscoring the Jekyll-and-Hyde character of MBL, both high and low serum MBL levels are associated with several aspects of autoimmune diseases. This review provides a general outline of the genetic and molecular characteristics of MBL and discusses MBL-disease association and its consequence in infection, transplantation, and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee H Bouwman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
As a key component of the complement system, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is one of the linchpins of innate immunity. It is, therefore, not surprising that MBL2 genetic variants affecting the quantity and activity of the MBL protein in serum have been associated with increased susceptibility to infection and autoimmune diseases, and with poorer prognostic outcomes. This enhanced risk is particularly the case for children and immunosuppressed patients, especially when immunity is further compromised by coexistent primary or secondary immune deficiencies. In several disease areas, such as sepsis, cystic fibrosis, and recurrent childhood infections, the association between low MBL-producing allelic variants and disease risk and/or severity is particularly strong. It is here that the use of MBL testing and replacement therapy has reached the threshold of personalized medicine. The role of MBL in health and disease, advances in MBL testing methodologies and key areas for possible applications of MBL replacement therapy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieve Nuytinck
- Innogenetics NV, Diagnostics - Genetic Testing Program, Innogenetics NV, Technologiepark 6, B-9052 Gent, Belgium.
| | - Fred Shapiro
- Innogenetics NV, Department of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Innogenetics NV, Industriepark Zwijnaarde 7/4, B-9052 Gent, Belgium
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