mannan-binding protein

mannan-binding protein

A protein encoded by MBL2 on chromosome 10q11.2-q21 belonging to the collectin family in the C-type lectin superfamily, which plays a role in carbohydrate pattern recognition as the first line of immune defence in a non-immunised (pre-immune) host. MBP recognises patterns on the surface of a wide range of pathogens—i.e., bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi; binding of MBP to a microbe activates the lectin pathway of the complement system. MBP also binds senescent and apoptosing cells, and enhances their engulfment by phagocytes.