MBL-associated Serine Proteases Research Articles

Activation of the lectin pathway of complement by cardiopulmonary bypass contributes to the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome after paediatric cardiac surgery.

The systemic inflammatory response is a challenge in the management of paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Although multi-factorial, a contribution by the lectin pathway of complement activation has been postulated. We therefore investigated the changes in serum levels of mannose binding lectin (MBL) and activities of MBL-MBL-associated serine protease (MASP)-1 and MBL-MASP-2 complexes immediately before and during surgery, throughout the first postoperative day and at discharge from the hospital. These changes were analysed in relation to postoperative complications. Blood samples were obtained from 185 children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgical correction with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass: preoperatively (MBL-1), 15 min after initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (MBL-E), 30 min (MBL-2), 4 h (MBL-3), 12 h (MBL-4) and 24 h (MBL-5) post-CPB and at discharge from hospital (MBL-K). Alterations in serum MBL levels were calculated as a ratio of its serum level at subsequent time-points (MBL-2, -3, -4, -5) to the preoperative (MBL-1) value. Decreases in MBL and MBL-MASP complexes were observed in all samples, correlating with a decrease in C4 and increase in C4a, confirming activation of the lectin pathway. Changes in MBL levels between children with an uncomplicated postoperative course and those suffering from infection or low cardiac output syndrome did not differ significantly, but significant differences were observed between the SIRS and non-SIRS groups. Paediatric cardiac surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass activates the complement system via the lectin pathway and the latter contributes to the development of the post-bypass systemic inflammatory response.

Polymorphisms in the lectin pathway of complement activation influence the incidence of acute rejection and graft outcome after kidney transplantation

There are conflicting data on the role of the lectin pathway of complement activation and its recognition molecules in acute rejection and outcome after transplantation. To help resolve this we analyzed polymorphisms and serum levels of lectin pathway components in 710 consecutive kidney transplant recipients enrolled in the nationwide Swiss Transplant Cohort Study, together with all biopsy-proven rejection episodes and 1-year graft and patient survival. Functional mannose-binding lectin (MBL) levels were determined in serum samples, and previously described MBL2, ficolin 2, and MBL-associated serine protease 2 polymorphisms were genotyped. Low MBL serum levels and deficient MBL2 diplotypes were associated with a higher incidence of acute cellular rejection during the first year, in particular in recipients of deceased-donor kidneys. This association remained significant (hazard ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.18-2.60) in a Cox regression model after adjustment for relevant covariates. In contrast, there was no significant association with rates of antibody-mediated rejection, patient death, early graft dysfunction or loss. Thus, results in a prospective multicenter contemporary cohort suggest that MBL2 polymorphisms result in low MBL serum levels and are associated with acute cellular rejection after kidney transplantation. Since MBL deficiency is a relatively frequent trait in the normal population, our findings may lead to individual risk stratification and customized immunosuppression.

MASP-1 and MASP-2 Do Not Activate Pro-Factor D in Resting Human Blood, whereas MASP-3 Is a Potential Activator: Kinetic Analysis Involving Specific MASP-1 and MASP-2 Inhibitors.

It had been thought that complement factor D (FD) is activated at the site of synthesis, and only FD lacking a propeptide is present in blood. The serum of mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease (MASP)-1/3(-/-) mice contains pro-FD and has markedly reduced alternative pathway activity. It was suggested that MASP-1 and MASP-3 directly activate pro-FD; however, other experiments contradicted this view. We decided to clarify the involvement of MASPs in pro-FD activation in normal, as opposed to deficient, human plasma and serum. Human pro-FD containing an APPRGR propeptide was produced in insect cells. We measured its activation kinetics using purified active MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3, as well as thrombin. We found all these enzymes to be efficient activators, whereas MASP proenzymes lacked such activity. Pro-FD cleavage in serum or plasma was quantified by a novel assay using fluorescently labeled pro-FD. Labeled pro-FD was processed with t1/2s of ∼ 3 and 5 h in serum and plasma, respectively, showing that proteolytic activity capable of activating pro-FD exists in blood even in the absence of active coagulation enzymes. Our previously developed selective MASP-1 and MASP-2 inhibitors did not reduce pro-FD activation at reasonable concentration. In contrast, at very high concentration, the MASP-2 inhibitor, which is also a poor MASP-3 inhibitor, slowed down the activation. When recombinant MASPs were added to plasma, only MASP-3 could reduce the half-life of pro-FD. Combining our quantitative data, MASP-1 and MASP-2 can be ruled out as direct pro-FD activators in resting blood; however, active MASP-3 is a very likely physiological activator.

MASP-1 Induced Clotting--The First Model of Prothrombin Activation by MASP-1.

Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-1 (MASP-1), a protein of the complement lectin pathway, resembles thrombin in terms of structural features and substrate specificity. Due to its interplay with several coagulation factors, it has the ability to induce fibrin clot formation independent of the usual coagulation activation pathways. We have recently shown that MASP-1 activates prothrombin and identified arginine (R) 155, R271, and R393 as potential cleavage sites. FXa cleaves R320 instead of R393, and thrombin cleaves R155 and R284 in prothrombin. Here we have used three arginine-to-glutamine mutants of prothrombin, R271Q, R320Q, R393Q and the serine-to-alanine active site mutant S525A to investigate in detail the mechanism of MASP-1 mediated prothrombin activation. Prothrombin wildtype and mutants were digested with MASP-1 and the cleavage products were analysed by SDS-PAGE and N-terminal sequencing. A functional clotting assay was performed by thrombelastography. We have found that MASP-1 activates prothrombin via two simultaneous pathways, either cleaving at R271 or R393 first. Both pathways result in the formation of several active alternative thrombin species. Functional studies confirmed that both R393 and R320 are required for prothrombin activation by MASP-1, whereas R155 is not considered to be an important cleavage site in this process. In conclusion, we have described for the first time a detailed model of prothrombin activation by MASP-1.

A Novel and Pivotal Role of the Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL) Pathway of Complement Cascade (ComC) Activation in Triggering Mobilization of Hematopoietic Stem/Progenitor Cells (HSPCs)

Background. The complement cascade (ComC) is part of the innate immunity system, which is not adaptable and does not change over the course of an individual's lifetime; however, it can be recruited and brought into action by the adaptive immune system. The ComC has several pleiotropic effects, and, as we have previously demonstrated, it is required for mobilization of HSPCs during infection or tissue/organ injuries and responding to pharmacological mobilizing agents (Blood 2004, 103, 2071-2078). The ComC is activated by three pathways: the classical, alternative, and mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathways. While a requirement for ComC activation and, in particular, the pivotal role of the distal part of complement activation and generation of C5 cleavage fragments was previously demonstrated by us (Leukemia 2009, 23, 2052-2062), mice with mutations to components of the classical and alternative pathways in which the distal pathway of C5 activation remained intact did not show impairment of HSPC mobilization (Leukemia 2010, 24, 1667-1675). However, no studies so far have been performed to address the role of the MBL pathway of ComC activation in triggering the mobilization of HSPCs. The MBL pathway is homologous to the classical pathway, but contains opsonin, MBL, and ficolins instead of C1q. MBL functions by pattern recognition, as opsonin binds to mannose residues on the surface of pathogens and certain cells, and activates the MBL-associated serine proteases, MASP-1, and MASP-2, which can then split C4 (into C4a and C4b) and C2 (into C2a and C2b) to form the classical C3-convertase, as in the classical pathway. Interestingly, it is known that ~10% of the population has defective activation of the MBL pathway.Hypothesis. We hypothesized for first time that the MBL ComC-activation pathway is involved in triggering ComC-mediated mobilization of HSPCs and that MBL deficiency results in poor mobilization.Materials and Methods. In our experiments, 2-month-old, MBL-deficient mice (MBL-/-) and normal wild type (WT) littermates were mobilized for 6 days with G-CSF or AMD3100. Following mobilization, we measured in peripheral blood (PB) i) the total number of white blood cells (WBC), ii) the number of circulating clonogenic colony-forming unit granulocyte/macrophage (CFU-GM) progenitors, and iii) the number of Sca-1+ c-kit+ lineage- (SKL) cells. In parallel, we evaluated activation of the MBL pathway in WT animals after administration of G-CSF and AMD3100.Results. We found that pattern recognition by the MBL ComC activation pathway is involved in pharmacological G-CSF- and AMD3100-induced mobilization of HSPCs, and activation of the MBL pathway was confirmed by ELISA in WT animals. As predicted, MBL KO mice were found to be poor mobilizers.Conclusions. We identified a previously unrecognized role of the MBL pathway in triggering ComC activation in the process of HSPC mobilization. This finding explains the pivotal role of the MBL pathway in triggering activation of the proximal part of the ComC and explains why, even with a deficiency in activation of classical and alternative pathway components, mobilization of HSPCs proceeds normally as long as the MBL pathway is intact. On the other hand, if the MBL pathway of the ComC is defective, neither classical nor alternative pathways can trigger optimal mobilization of HSPCs. Taking into consideration that ~10% of normal people are poor activators of the MBL pathway, we are currently investigating whether MBL deficiency correlates with poor mobilization in these patients. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Investigation of the mechanism of interaction between Mannose-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 and complement C4.

The interaction between mannose-binding lectin [MBL]-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) and its first substrate, C4 is crucial to the lectin pathway of complement, which is vital for innate host immunity, but also involved in a number of inflammatory diseases. Recent data suggests that two areas outside of the active site of MASP-2 (so-called exosites) are crucial for efficient cleavage of C4: one at the junction of the two complement control protein (CCP) domains of the enzyme and the second on the serine protease (SP) domain. Here, we have further investigated the roles of each of these exosites in the binding and cleavage of C4. We have found that both exosites are required for high affinity binding and efficient cleavage of the substrate protein. Within the SP domain exosite, we have shown here that two arginine residues are most important for high affinity binding and efficient cleavage of C4. Finally, we show that the CCP domain exosite appears to play the major role in the initial interaction with C4, whilst the SP domain exosite plays the major role in a secondary conformational change between the two proteins required to form a high affinity complex. This data has provided new insights into the binding and cleavage of C4 by MASP-2, which may be useful in the design of molecules that modulate this important interaction required to activate the lectin pathway of complement.

Low MBL-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) levels correlate with urogenital schistosomiasis in Nigerian children.

The human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins (FCN) are involved in pathogen recognition in the first line of defence. They support activation of the complement lectin cascade in the presence of MBL-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2), a protein that cleaves the C4 and C2 complement components. Recent studies found that distinct MBL2 and FCN2 promoter variants and their corresponding serum levels are associated with relative protection from urogenital schistosomiasis. We investigated the contribution of MASP-2 levels and MASP2 polymorphisms in a Nigerian study group, of 163 individuals infected with Schistosoma haematobium and 183 healthy subjects. MASP-2 serum levels varied between younger children (≤12years) and older children (>12years) and adults (P=0.0001). Younger children with a patent infection had significantly lower MASP-2 serum levels than uninfected children (P=0.0074). Older children and adults (>12years) with a current infection had higher serum MASP-2 levels than controls (P=0.032). MBL serum levels correlated positively with MASP-2 serum levels (P=0.01). MASP2 secretor haplotypes were associated with MASP-2 serum levels in healthy subjects. The heterozygous MASP2 p.P126L variant was associated with reduced serum MASP-2 levels (P=0.01). The findings indicate that higher MASP-2 serum levels are associated with relative protection from urogenital schistosomiasis in Nigerian children.

Investigation of Complement-activating Pattern Recognition Molecules and Associated Enzymes as Possible Inflammatory Markers in Oligoarticular and Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

The complement system plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory processes. The lectin pathway of the complement system is activated through the recognition of pathogens by soluble pattern recognition molecules (PRM), i.e., mannan-binding lectin (MBL), collectin-LK, and the ficolins. PRM are reportedly correlated to disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim was to evaluate the pathogenic role of PRM in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). We measured MBL, M-ficolin, H-ficolin, MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP) 1, MASP-2, MASP-3, and 2 alternative splice products, MBL-associated protein (MAp) 44 and MAp19, in plasma and synovial fluid (SF) of children with persistent oligoarticular (n = 109 in plasma, n = 38 in SF) and systemic JIA (n = 19 in plasma, n = 11 in SF). The concentrations of the proteins were measured by in-house time-resolved immunofluorometric assays. We observed significantly higher levels of M-ficolin, MASP-1, MASP-2, and MASP-3 in plasma and SF from patients with systemic JIA compared with persistent oligoarticular JIA (p < 0.001). In paired samples of plasma and SF from 47 patients with oligoarticular and systemic JIA, we observed higher concentrations in plasma for both subtypes for 7 of the measured proteins while the reverse relationship was observed for MASP-3. M-ficolin and MASP-2 correlated to erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and platelet count (p < 0.001). M-ficolin was in addition related to the number of active joints and inversely related to hemoglobin levels. Our results point to plasma M-ficolin and MASP-2 as inflammatory markers in JIA. The levels of all proteins are higher in plasma than in SF, except for MASP-3, indicating that MASP-3 may be produced locally in joints.

Early decreased plasma levels of factor B and C5a are important biomarkers in children with Kawasaki disease.

The mechanisms underpinning Kawasaki disease (KD) are incompletely understood. There is an unmet need for specific biomarkers for the early diagnosis of KD. Eighty-five KD patients suffering from acute-phase and subacute-phase KD, 40 healthy children, and 40 febrile children comprised the study cohort. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure plasma levels of C1q, C1q-circulating immune complex (C1q-CIC), mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease (MASP)-1, factor B, C4d, C3d, C5a, C5b-9 and CD59. Plasma concentrations of factor B and C5a in the acute phase were lower than those in healthy and febrile control groups (all P < 0.05). Compared with acute-phase KD patients, plasma concentrations of C1q, factor B, and C3d in KD patients were increased significantly (P < 0.05), but those of C4d, MASP-1 and CD59 decreased significantly (P < 0.05), in patients with sub-acute KD. These data suggest that more than one pathway in the complement system is activated in KD. Importantly, decreased plasma concentrations of factor B and C5a in the acute phase (6-10 d) could be employed as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of KD.

Plasma levels of mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases MASP-1 and MASP-2 are elevated in type 1 diabetes and correlate with glycaemic control

There is increasing evidence that the complement system plays an important role in diabetes and the development of diabetic vascular complications. In particular, mannan-binding lectin (MBL) levels are elevated in diabetes patients, and diabetes patients with diabetic nephropathy have higher MBL levels than diabetes patients with normal renal function. The MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) MASP-1, MASP-2 and MASP-3 and MBL-associated protein MAp44 have not yet been studied in diabetes patients. We therefore measured plasma levels of MASP-1, MASP-2, MASP-3 and MAp44 in 30 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 17 matched control subjects, and in 45 adults with T1DM and 31 matched control subjects. MASP-1 and MASP-2 levels were significantly higher in children and adults with T1DM than in their respective control groups, whereas MASP-3 and MAp44 levels did not differ between patients and controls. MASP-1 and MASP-2 levels correlated with HbA1c, and MASP levels decreased when glycaemic control improved. Because MASP-1 and MASP-2 have been shown to interact directly with blood coagulation, elevated levels of these proteins may play a role in the enhanced thrombotic environment and consequent vascular complications in diabetes.

MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) and infectious diseases.

The lectin pathway of the complement system has a pivotal role in the defense against infectious organisms. After binding of mannan-binding lectin (MBL), ficolins or collectin 11 to carbohydrates or acetylated residues on pathogen surfaces, dimers of MBL-associated serine proteases 1 and 2 (MASP-1 and MASP-2) activate a proteolytic cascade, which culminates in the formation of the membrane attack complex and pathogen lysis. Alternative splicing of the pre-mRNA encoding MASP-1 results in two other products, MASP-3 and MAp44, which regulate activation of the cascade. A similar mechanism allows the gene encoding MASP-2 to produce the truncated MAp19 protein. Polymorphisms in MASP1 and MASP2 genes are associated with protein serum levels and functional activity. Since the first report of a MASP deficiency in 2003, deficiencies in lectin pathway proteins have been associated with recurrent infections and several polymorphisms were associated with the susceptibility or protection to infectious diseases. In this review, we summarize the findings on the role of MASP polymorphisms and serum levels in bacterial, viral and protozoan infectious diseases.

Impact of MBL and MASP-2 gene polymorphism and its interaction on susceptibility to tuberculosis.

BackgroundMannose-binding lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine proteases 2 (MASP-2) are important proteins in the lectin pathway of the immune system. Polymorphism of MBL and MASP-2 genes may affect the serum concentration of MBL and MASP-2. This study explores the association between MBL and MASP-2 gene polymorphism and their interactions and the susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB).MethodA total of 503 patients with TB and 419 healthy controls were recruited to participate in this case-control study. PCR-SSP technology was applied to genotype rs7096206 of MBL genes and rs2273346 and rs6695096 of MASP-2 genes. Demographic data and some exposure information were also obtained from study participants. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was used to identify association between the various factors and TB whilst Marginal Structural Linear Odds Models were used to estimate the interactions.ResultsBoth genotype GC at rs7096206 of MBL genes and genotype TC at rs2273346 and rs6695096 of MASP-2 genes were more prevalent in the TB patient group than the healthy control group (P < 0.05, OR 1.393, 1.302 and 1.426 respectively). The relative excess risk of interaction (RERI) between rs7096206 of MBL genes and rs2273346 and rs6695096 of MASP-2 genes was 0.897 (95% CI: 0.282, 1.513) and 1.142 (95% CI: 0.755, 1.530) respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionPolymorphisms of MBL (rs7096206) and MASP-2 (rs2273346 and rs6695096) were associated with the susceptibility of TB, and there were gene-gene interactions among them.

MASP-1 of the complement system promotes clotting via prothrombin activation

Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-1 (MASP-1), a protein of the complement lectin pathway, resembles thrombin in terms of structural features and substrate specificity, and it has been shown to activate coagulation factors. Here we studied the effects of MASP-1 on clot formation in whole blood (WB) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) by thrombelastography and further elucidated the underlying mechanism. Cleavage of prothrombin by MASP-1 was investigated by SDS-PAGE and N-terminal sequencing of cleavage products. Addition of MASP-1 or thrombin to WB and PPP shortened the clotting time and clot formation time significantly compared to recalcified-only samples. The combination of MASP-1 and thrombin had additive effects. In a purified system, MASP-1 was able to induce clotting only in presence of prothrombin. Analysis of MASP-1-digested prothrombin confirmed that MASP-1 cleaves prothrombin at three cleavage sites. In conclusion, we have shown that MASP-1 is able to induce and promote clot formation measured in a global setting using the technique of thrombelastography. We further confirmed that MASP-1-induced clotting is dependent on prothrombin. Finally, we have demonstrated that MASP-1 cleaves prothrombin and identified its cleavage sites, suggesting that MASP-1 gives rise to an alternative active form of thrombin by cleaving at the cleavage site R393.

Changes in the Expression and Distribution of Claudins, Increased Epithelial Apoptosis, and a Mannan-Binding Lectin-Associated Immune Response Lead to Barrier Dysfunction in Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Rat Colitis.

Background/AimsThis animal study aimed to define the underlying cellular mechanisms of intestinal barrier dysfunction.MethodsRats were fed 4% with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) to induce experimental colitis. We analyzed the sugars in 24-hour urine output by high pressure liquid chromatography. The expression of claudins, mannan-binding lectin (MBL), and MBL-associated serine proteases 2 (MASP-2) were detected in the colonic mucosa by immunohistochemistry; and apoptotic cells in the colonic epithelium were detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling method assay.ResultsThe lactulose and sucralose excretion levels in the urine of rats with DSS-induced colitis were significantly higher than those in the control rats. Mannitol excretion was lower and lactulose/mannitol ratios and sucralose/mannitol ratios were significantly increased compared with those in the control group (p<0.05). Compared with the controls, the expression of sealing claudins (claudin 3, claudin 5, and claudin 8) was significantly decreased, but that of claudin 1 was increased. The expression of pore-forming claudin 2 was upregulated and claudin 7 was downregulated in DSS-induced colitis. The epithelial apoptotic ratio was 2.8%±1.2% in controls and was significantly increased to 7.2%±1.2% in DSS-induced colitis. The expression of MBL and MASP-2 in the intestinal mucosa showed intense staining in controls, whereas there was weak staining in the rats with colitis.ConclusionsThere was increased intestinal permeability in DSS-induced colitis. Changes in the expression and distribution of claudins, increased epithelial apoptosis, and the MASP-2-induced immune response impaired the intestinal epithelium and contributed to high intestinal permeability.

Activated complement classical pathway in a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.

To investigate whether the complement system is involved in a murine model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Forty C57BL/6J newborn mice were divided randomly into OIR group and control group. OIR was induced by exposing mice to 75%±2% oxygen from postnatal 7d (P7) to P12 and then recovered in room air. For the control group, the litters were raised in room air. At the postnatal 17d (P17), gene expressions of the complement components of the classical pathway (CP), the mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathway and the alternative pathway (AP) in the retina were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Retinal protein expressions of the key components in the CP were examined by Western blotting. Whole mounted retina in the OIR mice showed area of central hypoperfusion in both superficial and deep layers and neovascular tufts in the periphery. The expressions of C1qb and C4b genes in the OIR retina were significantly higher than those of the controls. The expression of retinal complement factor B (CFB) gene in OIR mice was significantly lower than those of the controls. However, the expressions of C3 and complement factor H (CFH) genes were higher. The protein synthesis of the key components involved in the CP (C1q, C4 and C3) were also significantly higher in OIR mouse retina. Although MBL-associated serine protease 1 (MASP1) and MASP2 were detected in both the OIR and the control groups, the expressions were weak and the difference between the two groups was not significant. Our data suggest that the complement system CP is activated during the pathogenesis of murine model of OIR.

Current Understanding of the Role of Complement in IgA Nephropathy.

Complement activation has a role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease mediated by pathogenic immune complexes consisting of galactose-deficient IgA1 bound by antiglycan antibodies. Of three complement-activation pathways, the alternative and lectin pathways are involved in IgA nephropathy. IgA1 can activate both pathways in vitro, and pathway components are present in the mesangial immunodeposits, including properdin and factor H in the alternative pathway and mannan-binding lectin, mannan-binding lectin-associated serine proteases 1 and 2, and C4d in the lectin pathway. Genome-wide association studies identified deletion of complement factor H-related genes 1 and 3 as protective against the disease. Because the corresponding gene products compete with factor H in the regulation of the alternative pathway, it has been hypothesized that the absence of these genes could lead to more potent inhibition of complement by factor H. Complement activation can take place directly on IgA1-containing immune complexes in circulation and/or after their deposition in the mesangium. Notably, complement factors and their fragments may serve as biomarkers of IgA nephropathy in serum, urine, or renal tissue. A better understanding of the role of complement in IgA nephropathy may provide potential targets and rationale for development of complement-targeting therapy of the disease.

The lectin pathway of complement and rheumatic heart disease.

The innate immune system is the first line of host defense against infection and is comprised of humoral and cellular mechanisms that recognize potential pathogens within minutes or hours of entry. The effector components of innate immunity include epithelial barriers, phagocytes, and natural killer cells, as well as cytokines and the complement system. Complement plays an important role in the immediate response against microorganisms, including Streptococcus sp. The lectin pathway is one of three pathways by which the complement system can be activated. This pathway is initiated by the binding of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), collectin 11 (CL-K1), and ficolins (Ficolin-1, Ficolin-2, and Ficolin-3) to microbial surface oligosaccharides and acetylated residues, respectively. Upon binding to target molecules, MBL, CL-K1, and ficolins form complexes with MBL-associated serine proteases 1 and 2 (MASP-1 and MASP-2), which cleave C4 and C2 forming the C3 convertase (C4b2a). Subsequent activation of complement cascade leads to opsonization, phagocytosis, and lysis of target microorganisms through the formation of the membrane-attack complex. In addition, activation of complement may induce several inflammatory effects, such as expression of adhesion molecules, chemotaxis and activation of leukocytes, release of reactive oxygen species, and secretion of cytokines and chemokines. In this chapter, we review the general aspects of the structure, function, and genetic polymorphism of lectin-pathway components and discuss most recent understanding on the role of the lectin pathway in the predisposition and clinical progression of Rheumatic Fever.

Structural Insights into the Initiating Complex of the Lectin Pathway of Complement Activation

The proteolytic cascade of the complement system is initiated when pattern-recognition molecules (PRMs) bind to ligands, resulting in the activation of associated proteases. In the lectin pathway of complement, the complex of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and MBL-associated serine protease-1 (MASP-1) initiates the pathway by activating a second protease, MASP-2. Here we present a structural study of a PRM/MASP complex and derive the overall architecture of the 450 kDa MBL/MASP-1 complex using small-angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy. The serine protease (SP) domains from the zymogen MASP-1 dimer protrude from the cone-like MBL tetramer and are separated by at least 20 nm. This suggests that intracomplex activation within a single MASP-1 dimer is unlikely and instead supports intercomplex activation, whereby the MASP SP domains are accessible to nearby PRM-bound MASPs. This activation mechanism differs fundamentally from the intracomplex initiation models previously proposed for both the lectin and the classical pathway.

Genetic polymorphisms of the BMAP-28 and MASP-2 genes and their correlation with the somatic cell score in Chinese Holstein cattle.

DNA sequencing, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism were used to investigate mutations in the coding regions of the bovine myeloid antimicrobial peptide-28 (BMAP-28) and mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2) genes in 249 Chinese Holstein dairy cows. The associations between the polymorphisms and somatic cell score (SCS) were analyzed to determine the potential of these genes as genetic markers for breeding mastitis-resistant dairy cattle. The results revealed a C-86G synonymous mutation in the BMAP-28 gene that caused no alteration in the amino acid sequence. G553A mutation was found in the MASP-2 gene that led to the substitution of glycine with serine. The chi-square test showed that the G553A mutation was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the Chinese Holstein dairy cows, whereas the C-86G mutation was not. The variance analysis of the influence of group loci and different genotypes on the SCS showed that the SCS of genotype CC was significantly lower than those of genotypes CG and GG (P < 0.05) of the C-86G mutation, and that the SCS of genotype GG was significantly lower than those of genotypes GA and AA (P < 0.05) of the G553A mutation. Genotype combination analysis showed that the combination of the BMAP-28 genotype CC and the MASP-2 genotype GG was the best one, in which the SCS was significantly lower than those in the other combinations. Thus, this combination might be useful as a molecular and genetic marker of mastitis in Chinese Holstein dairy cows.

New insights into the role of ficolins in the lectin pathway of innate immunity.

In the innate immune system, a variety of recognition molecules provide the first-line host defense to prevent infection and maintain endogenous homeostasis. Ficolin is a soluble recognition molecule, which senses pathogen-associated molecular patterns on microbes and aberrant sugar structures on self-cells. It consists of a collagen-like stalk and a globular fibrinogen-like domain, the latter binding to carbohydrates such as N-acetylglucosamine. Ficolins have been widely identified in animals from higher invertebrates to mammals. In mammals, ficolins form complexes with mannose-binding lectin-associated serine proteases (MASPs), and ficolin-MASP complexes trigger complement activation via the lectin pathway. Once activated, complement mediates many immune responses including opsonization, phagocytosis, and cytokine production. Although the precise function of each ficolin is still under investigation, accumulating information suggests that ficolins have a crucial role in host defense by recognizing a variety of microorganisms and interacting with effector proteins.