Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a C-type lectin involved in the first line of host defense and it requires MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP) for activation of the lectin complement pathway (LCP). Recently we reported that human ficolins, L-ficolin/P35 and H-ficolin/Hakata antigen, as well as MBL activate the LCP in association with MASP. We investigated in vitro expression of complements o...

Human L-ficolin (P35, ficolin-2) is synthesised in the liver and secreted into the bloodstream where it is one of the major pattern recognition molecules of plasma/serum. Like other ficolins, it consists of a collagen-like tail region linked to a fibrinogen-related globular head; a basic triplet subunit arises via a collagen-like triple helix, and this then forms higher multimers (typically a 1...

Background The biological processes involved in the development of structural changes associated with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (r-axSpA) remain largely unraveled. Still, high disease activity, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), and existing syndesmophytes are progression. complement system is an inflammation-generating part innate immune system. Animal models have shown inhibition a...

OBJECTIVES Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins activate the complement cascade, which is involved in atherogenesis. Based on a pilot study, we hypothesized that functional polymorphisms in the MBL gene (MBL2) leading to dysfunctional protein are related to development of myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the present study was to study polymorphisms in MBL2 and ficolin genes in relati...

stroke is one of the most leading causes of death and disability in the world. complement system activation contributes to pathogenesis and neuronal damage following stroke. there are no defined biological serum markers to determine the severity of stroke in acute phases. the purpose of current study was to determine the association of three complement activators, namely pentraxin-3 (ptx3),m-fi...

Inflammatory mechanisms may be involved in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. By using a novel histology-based method to quantify plaque instability here, we assess whether lectin pathway (LP) of complement activation, a major inflammation arm, could represent an index of plaque instability. Plaques from 42 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were stained with hematoxylin-eosin ...

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by glomerular co-deposition of IgA and complement components. Earlier studies showed that IgA activates the alternative pathway of complement, whereas more recent data also indicate activation of the lectin pathway. The lectin pathway can be activated by binding of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins to carbohydrate ligands, followed by activation o...