Mannan-binding Lectin Deficiency Research Articles

Mannan-binding lectin ameliorates renal fibrosis by suppressing macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a pattern-recognition molecule that plays a crucial role in innate immunity. MBL deficiency correlates with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully defined. Here, we established a CKD model in wild-type (WT) and MBL-deficient (MBL−/−) mice via unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The result showed that MBL deficiency aggravated the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis in CKD mice. Strikingly, the in vivo macrophage depletion investigation revealed that macrophages play an essential role in the MBL-mediated suppression of renal fibrosis. We found that MBL limited the progression of macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in kidney tissues of UUO mice. Further in vitro study showed that MBL−/− macrophages exhibited significantly increased levels of fibrotic-related molecules compared with WT cells upon transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) stimulation. We demonstrated that MBL inhibited the MMT process by suppressing the production of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and activation of Akt signaling. In summary, our study revealed an expected role of MBL on macrophage transition during renal fibrosis, thus offering new insight into the potential of MBL as a therapeutic target for CKD.

Mannose binding lectin deficiency and COVID-19 rates of thrombosis and mortality: Partial protection by immunodeficiency

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of COVID-19 infection on individuals with mannose binding lectin deficiency. Methods: An electronic medical records search was conducted for MBL deficiency and COVID-19 positive tests from March 2020-August 2022. Individualized chart analysis was conducted and statistical analysis was performed. Results: Thirty-three people in WVU medicine health system carry a diagnosis of mannose binding lectin deficiency and were diagnosed with COVID-19. The mean age of this cohort was 41 years. Seven individuals had severe enough symptoms to lead to an emergency department visit. One person was hospitalized. MBL deficient individuals had 7 times the odds of hospitalization ( p = .1506, OR 7.06 (CI 1.117-44.52)) compared to the general public. There was zero mortality among the MBL deficient population. None of the patients reported thrombosis or blood clots. Conclusion: This retrospective cross-sectional analysis of those with known MBL deficiency and COVID-19 infection suggest a lower risk of fatalities and thrombotic events in this cohort. There was however a higher odds ratio of hospitalization compared to the general public, although this was not statistically significant.

Association of mannose binding lectin with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease susceptibility and its clinical outcomes.

The physiological interactions of MBL suggest its contribution towards the pathogenesis of COPD. The present case-control study was undertaken to elucidate the role of MBL with COPD risk and clinical outcomes in north Indian cohort. Patients were enrolled as per GOLD criteria. MBL2 variants were selected based on the literature and their putative functional significance. Genotyping of six single nucleotide polymorphisms of MBL2 comprising of two coding (rs1800450, rs1800451) and four non-coding variants (rs11003125, rs7096206, rs11003123 and rs7095891) was done by using PCR-RFLP and ARMS-PCR. Serum MBL levels were analysed by sandwich ELISA. Overall findings of the molecular genetic analysis of MBL2 indicated significant difference in frequency of three of the six studied variants, between patients and controls or among different disease severity stages. Heterozygous genotype of rs7095891 showed significant protective association towards severity of disease. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis indicated a strong LD between rs1800450 and rs7095891 while intermediate LD was observed for rs11003123/rs11003125 and rs7096206/rs11003125. Haplotype analysis revealed 17.14-fold risk of developing exacerbations conferred by GGGTGG haplotype. Significantly low serum MBL levels observed in COPD patients as compared to controls. Significant difference in MBL deficiency levels were also observed for homozygous wild and variant genotypes of rs11003125 and rs7096206 respectively, as well as for all genotypes of rs11003123 than respective controls. The present study reinforces the role played by MBL in the susceptibility, protection and clinical outcomes of COPD. Therefore, including the reported associations at diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic interventions may prove helpful.

A likely association between low mannan-binding lectin level and brain fog onset in long COVID patients.

Brain fog can be described as a constellation of new-onset neuropsychiatric sequelae in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 (long COVID). The symptoms include inattention, short-term memory loss, and reduced mental acuity, which may undermine cognition, concentration, and sleep. This cognitive impairment, persisting for weeks or months after the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, can significantly impact on daily activities and the quality of life. An important role for the complement system (C) in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 has emerged since the beginning of pandemic outbreak. A number of pathophysiological characteristics including microangiopathy and myocarditis have been attributed to dysregulated C activation due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), the first recognition subcomponent of the C lectin pathway, has been shown to bind to glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, genetic variants of MBL2 are suggested to have an association with severe COVID-19 manifestations requiring hospitalization. In the present study, we evaluated MBL activity (lectin pathway activation) and levels in the sera of a cohort of COVID-19 patients, presenting brain fog or only hyposmia/hypogeusia as persistent symptoms, and compared them with healthy volunteers. We found significantly lower levels of MBL and lectin pathway activity in the sera of patients experiencing brain fog as compared to recovered COVID-19 patients without brain fog. Our data indicate that long COVID-associated brain fog can be listed among the variegate manifestations of increased susceptibility to infections and diseases contributed by MBL deficiency.

#6128 IMPACT OF MANNOSE-BINDING LECTIN DEFICIENCY ON GRAFT SURVIVAL IN TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS WITH IGAN

Abstract Background and Aims The progression of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) has been associated with Mannose -Binding Lectin levels (both excess or deficiency). The MBL deficiency, is associated with the rs5030737, the rs1800450 and the rs1800451, who represent the “O” allele. Since lectin pathway deregulation may impact on IgA progression on native kidney we hypothesized that the presence of the “O” allele and therefore MBL deficiency, could influence also the graft survival in recipients with a biopsy-proven diagnosis of IgAN on native kidneys. Therefore we investigated the role of MBL “O” allele in kidney transplant recipients with IgAN. Method We enrolled 32 kidney transplant recipients with biopsy-proven IgAN on the native kidney. The region in MBL encompassing the SNPs rs5030737, rs1800450 and rs1800451were amplified using PCR and analyzed by Sanger sequencing.Clinical data at baseline and during the follow-up were collected from patients’ records. An eGFR <60mL/min/1.73m2 (MDRD equation) was considered as main outcome at univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The 38% of patients carry the“O” allele and 62% of patients the “A” allele which is associated with the wild genotype. No difference between the two groups as for demographic features, donor and transplant-related variables has been found. Interestingly we found that patients with the “O” allele had a worse graft outcome (P = 0.01) during a mean follow-up of 151 months (Figure 1). The “O” allele was an independent predictor for the graft survival in a Cox survival analysis model adjusted for donor's and recipient's age, acute rejection, and disease recurrence (HR 0.046; 95% I.C. 0.005-0.423; P = 0.01). Moreover we found a link between the genetic background and the MBL serum level (Figure 2). Conclusion Our study suggest a potential role of the MBL deficiency in the long term graft dysfunction in kidney transplant recipient with IgAN.

Reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the second COVID-19 vaccination in patients with inborn errors of immunity or mannan-binding lectin deficiency.

BackgroundPatients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are at increased risk for severe courses of SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 vaccination provides effective protection in healthy individuals. However, it remains unclear whether vaccination is efficient and safe in patients with constitutional dysfunctions of the immune system. Thus, we analyzed the humoral response, adverse reactions and assessed the disease activity of the underlying disease after COVID-19 vaccination in a cohort of patients suffering from IEIs or mannan-binding lectin deficiency (MBLdef).MethodsVaccination response was assessed after basic immunization using the Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S immunoassay and via Vero E6 cell based assay to detect neutralization capabilities. Phenotyping of lymphocytes was performed by flow cytometry. Patient charts were reviewed for disease activity, autoimmune phenomena as well as immunization status and reactogenicity of the vaccination. Activity of the underlying disease was assessed using a patient global numeric rating scale (NRS).ResultsOur cohort included 11 individuals with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), one patient with warts hypogammaglobulinemia immunodeficiency myelokathexis (WHIM) syndrome, two patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA), one patient with Muckle Wells syndrome, two patients with cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, one patient with Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) receptor defect, one patient with selective deficiency in pneumococcal antibody response combined with a low MBL level and seven patients with severe MBL deficiency. COVID-19 vaccination was generally well tolerated with little to no triggering of autoimmune phenomena. 20 out of 26 patients developed an adequate humoral vaccine response. 9 out of 11 patients developed a T cell response comparable to healthy control subjects. Tested immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IgRT) preparations contained Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies implicating additional protection through IgRT.SummaryIn summary the data support the efficacy and safety of a COVID-19 vaccination in patients with IEIs/MBLdef. We recommend evaluation of the humoral immune response and testing for virus neutralization after vaccination in this cohort.

MBL Binding with AhR Controls Th17 Immunity in Silicosis-Associated Lung Inflammation and Fibrosis.

ObjectiveMannan-binding lectin (MBL), a soluble pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system, is primarily synthesized in the liver and secreted into the circulation. Low serum level of MBL has been reported to be related to an increased risk of lung diseases. Herein, we aimed to investigate the function of MBL in silicosis-associated pulmonary inflammation.MethodsSerum collected from silicosis patients was tested for correlation between serum MBL levels and Th17 immunity. In vitro studies were performed to further demonstrated the effect of MBL on Th17 polarization. Silica was intratracheally injected in wild type (WT) or MBL-deficient (MBL–/–) mice to induce silicosis-associated lung inflammation and fibrosis. Th17 response was evaluated to explore the effect of MBL on silicosis in vivo.ResultsSilicosis patients with high serum MBL levels displayed ameliorative lung function. We demonstrated that serum MBL levels negatively correlated to Th17 cell frequency in silicosis patients. MBL protein markedly reduced expression of IL-17 but enhanced expression of Foxp3 in CD4+ T cells in vitro when subjected to Th17 or Treg polarizing conditions, respectively. The presence of MBL during Th17 cell polarization significantly limited aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) expression and suppressed the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. Treatment with the AhR antagonist abolished the effect of MBL on Th17 response. Strikingly, MBL directly bound to AhR and affected its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, MBL–/– mice displayed elevated Th17 cell levels compared with WT mice in response to the silica challenge. The CD4+ T lymphocytes from silica-administrated MBL–/– mice exhibited more AhR expression than the wild-type counterparts.ConclusionOur study suggested that MBL limited the Th17 immunity via controlling the AhR/STAT3 pathway, thus providing new insight into silicosis and other inflammatory diseases in patients with MBL deficiency.

Mannan-Binding Lectin via Interaction With Cell Surface Calreticulin Promotes Senescence of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells to Limit Liver Fibrosis Progression.

Background & AimsLiver fibrosis represents a hallmark of most chronic liver diseases (CLD) triggered by recurrent liver injury and subsequent myofibroblast transdifferentiations of resident hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is potentially involved in hepatic fibrosis in CLD through unclear mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated the crosstalk between MBL and HSCs, and the consequent effects on fibrosis progression.MethodsSamples from patients with liver cirrhosis were collected. MBL deficiency (MBL-/-) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6J mice were used to construct a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. Administration of MBL-expressing, liver-specific, adeno-associated virus was performed to restore hepatic MBL expression in MBL-/- mice. The human HSC line LX-2 was used for in vitro experiments.ResultsMBL levels in patients with liver cirrhosis were correlated with disease severity. In the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model, MBL-/- mice showed severer liver fibrosis accompanied by reduced senescent activated HSCs in liver tissue compared with WT mice, which could be inhibited by administering MBL-expressing, liver-specific, adeno-associated virus. Moreover, depleting senescent cells with senolytic treatment could abrogate these differences owing to MBL absence. Furthermore, MBL could interact directly with calreticulin associated with low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 on the cell surface of HSCs, which further promotes senescence in HSCs by up-regulating the mammalian target of rapamycin/p53/p21 signaling pathway.ConclusionsMBL as a newfound senescence-promoting modulator and its crosstalk with HSCs in the liver microenvironment is essential for the control of hepatic fibrosis progression, suggesting its potential therapeutic use in treating CLD associated with liver fibrosis.

Mannan-Binding Lectin Deficiency Limits Inflammation-induced Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Expansion via Modulating Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha-triggered Apoptosis.

Background: Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a soluble pattern recognition molecule in the innate immune system, is reported to be associated with the function of immune cells. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are mainly characterized by immunosuppressive activities involving several inflammatory diseases such as cancer, infection, and arthritis. Some of the factors inducing their apoptosis are known, however, mechanisms have not been identified. The underlying impact of MBL on the MDSCs especially under inflammatory conditions remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate whether MBL affects MDSCs survival during inflammation conditions.Methods: WT and MBL-deficient (MBL-/-) mice were induced on day 0 of the experiment by subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant and then injected with incomplete Freund's adjuvant into the knee joint space under general anesthesia on day 14 to induce inflammatory arthritis. The proportions of MDSCs in the spleen and blood and the serum level of the inflammatory cytokines were measured. In vitro study, MDSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of WT and MBL-/- mice and cultured in the presence of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for 5 days with or without tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).Results: After adjuvant treatment, MBL-/- mice had a significantly lower frequency of MDSCs as well as elevated serum inflammatory cytokines levels compared to WT mice. MBL deficiency markedly inhibited the MDSCs frequency from mice bone marrow induced by IL-6 and GM-CSF in the presence of TNF-α in vitro. Mechanistic studies established that MBL inhibited MDSCs apoptosis via down-regulation of TNF-α/tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor 1 (TNFR1) signaling pathway and subsequent caspase 3-dependent manner.Conclusion: Mannan-binding lectin deficiency inhibits myeloid-derived suppressor cells expansion via modulating TNF-α triggered apoptosis.

Mannan-binding lectin deficiency augments hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress through IP3R-controlled calcium release

The aberrant release of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium leads to the disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis, which is associated with the occurrence of ER stress and closely related to the pathogenesis of liver damage. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a soluble calcium-dependent protein synthesized primarily in hepatocytes and is a pattern recognition molecule in the innate immune system. MBL deficiency is highly prevalent in the population and has been reported to be associated with susceptibility to several liver diseases. We here showed that genetic MBL ablation strongly sensitized mice to ER stress-induced liver injury. Mechanistic studies established that MBL directly interacted with ER-resident chaperone immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP), and MBL deficiency accelerated the separation of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) from BiP during hepatic ER stress. Moreover, MBL deficiency led to enhanced activation of the PERK-C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP) pathway and initiates an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-mediated calcium release from the ER, thereby aggravating the hepatic ER stress response. Our results demonstrate an unexpected function of MBL in ER calcium homeostasis and ER stress response, thus providing new insight into the liver injury related to ER stress in patients with MBL deficiency.

Автоімунний ANA-асоційований увеїт на тлі реактивованої HHV-7-інфекції у пацієнта з первинним дефіцитом маннозозв’язуючого лектину

Автоімунний ANA-асоційований увеїт на тлі реактивованої HHV-7-інфекції у пацієнта з первинним дефіцитом маннозозв’язуючого лектину

Otitis Media and Inborn Errors of Immunity

The aim of this review is as follows: (1) to present the role of otitis as a warning sign for inborn errors of immunity (IEI), (2) to establish which patients presenting otitis should be investigated for IEI, (3) to review data about main IEI associated with otitis-prone patients. Otitis media is a very common infection in general population. The concept of otitis-prone children established a certain frequency of the infections in order to look for conditions leading to them. The confirmation of middle ear impairment by specialists has demonstrated better confiability. The hallmarks for immunologic evaluation are the presence of complications as mastoiditis and membrane perforation, failure to thrive, and additional respiratory symptoms. Humoral immunodeficiencies have been more frequently described in association with otitis-prone patients, for example, hypogammaglobulinemia, MBL deficiency, and IEI associated with major syndromes. Most of the patients with confirmed IEI present otitis as one of the recurrent infections. It is suggested the investigation of immune defects in patients with otitis, and the following warning signs are suggested: Otitis evolving with mastoiditis, abscesses, or systemic infections; no response to appropriate antibiotic therapy; otitis media associated with other infections; recurrent otitis leading to failure to thrive and general developmental delay; and family history of primary immunodeficiency and/or consanguinity.

Mannan-binding lectin promotes keratinocyte to produce CXCL1 and enhances neutrophil infiltration at the early stages of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder. Numerous experimental evidence and therapeutic evidence have shown that the innate immune response is critical for the pathogenesis and development of psoriasis. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a prototypic pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system, plays an essential role in the host defense against certain infections and also appears to be a major regulator of inflammation. In this study, we investigated the function of MBL on the course of experimental murine imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. Our data showed that MBL-deficient (MBL-/- ) mice exhibited attenuated skin damage characterized by greatly decreased erythema compared with wild-type control mice during the early stages of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation. The reduced skin inflammation in MBL-/- mice was associated with the decreased infiltration of neutrophils. Furthermore, we have determined that MBL deficiency limited the chemokine CXCL1 production from skin keratinocytes upon IMQ stimulation, which might be responsible for the impaired skin recruitment of neutrophils. Additionally, we have provided the data that MBL protein promotes the IMQ-induced expression of CXCL1 and activation of MAPK/NF-κB signalling pathway in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells in vitro. In summary, our study revealed an unexpected role of MBL on keratinocyte function in skin, thus offering a new insight into the pathogenic mechanisms of psoriasis.

Mannan-Binding Lectin Attenuates Inflammatory Arthritis Through the Suppression of Osteoclastogenesis.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a vital element in the host innate immune system, which is primarily produced by the liver and secreted into the circulation. Low serum level of MBL is reported to be associated with an increased risk of arthritis. However, the underlying mechanism by which MBL contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritis is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the precise role of MBL on the course of experimental murine adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). MBL-deficient (MBL−/−) AIA mice showed significantly increased inflammatory responses compared with wild-type C57BL/6 AIA mice, including exacerbated cartilage damage, enhanced histopathological features and high level of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells. MBL protein markedly inhibited the osteoclast formation from human blood monocytes induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in vitro. Mechanistic studies established that MBL inhibited osteoclast differentiation via down-regulation of p38 signaling pathway and subsequent nuclear translocation of c-fos as well as activation of nuclear factor of activated T-cells c1 (NFATc1) pathway. Importantly, we have provided the evidence that concentrations of MBL correlated negatively with the serum levels of amino-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX), serum markers of bone turnover, in patients with arthritis. Our study revealed an unexpected function of MBL in osteoclastogenesis, thus providing new insight into inflammatory arthritis and other bone-related diseases in patients with MBL deficiency.

Mannan-binding lectin attenuates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating CYP2E1 expression via ROS-dependent JNK/SP1 pathway.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) acts as a soluble pattern recognition molecule in the innate immune system, which is primarily produced by the liver. MBL deficiency occurs with high frequency in the population and is reported to be associated with susceptibility to several liver diseases. In the present study, we investigated the pathophysiological role of MBL in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity. After APAP treatment, MBL-deficient (MBL-/- ) mice had significantly higher mortality and aggravated hepatic necrosis as well as elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase levels compared to control mice. The enhanced hepatotoxicity in MBL-/- mice was associated with increased concentration of APAP toxic metabolisms. Furthermore, we demonstrated here that genetic ablation of MBL resulted in excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and enhanced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, leading to up-regulated specificity protein 1 (SP1) nuclear expression, thus promoted CYP2E1 hepatic expression and consequently exacerbated APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Importantly, we have validated that MBL protected against APAP toxicity in human HepaRG cells in vitro with the same mechanism. Our study revealed an unexpected function of MBL in drug metabolism, thus providing new insight into the drug-induced liver injury in patients with MBL deficiency.

Mannan-binding lectin deficiency exacerbates sterile liver injury in mice through enhancing hepatic neutrophil recruitment.

Noninfectious liver injury, including the effects of drugs and diet, is a major cause of liver diseases worldwide. The innate inflammatory response to hepatocyte death plays a crucial role in the outcome of liver injury. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system, which is primarily produced by liver. MBL deficiency occurs with high frequency in the population and is reported associated with predisposition to infectious diseases. We here observed that genetic MBL ablation strongly sensitizes mice to sterile liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ). Aggravated liver damage was shown in CCl4 -administrated MBL-/- mice, as evidenced by severe hepatocyte death, elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, and enhanced production of inflammatory cytokines. Mechanistic studies established that MBL deficiency caused increased chemokine CXCL2 production from liver macrophages upon CCl4 stimulation, thereby promoting the hepatic recruitment of neutrophils and subsequent liver damage. Furthermore, MBL-mediated protection from CCl4 -induced liver injury was validated by administration of an MBL-expressing liver-specific adeno-associated virus, which effectively ameliorated the hepatic damage in CCl4-treated MBL-/- mice. We propose that MBL may be exploited as a new therapeutic approach in the treatment of chemical-induced sterile liver injury in patients with MBL deficiency.

Mannan-binding lectin suppresses growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating hepatic stellate cell activation via the ERK/COX-2/PGE2 pathway

ABSTRACTMannan binding lectin (MBL), initially known to activate the complement lectin pathway and defend against infection, was recently shown to be potentially involved in the development of several types of cancer; however, its exact role in cancers, especially its effect on tumor microenvironment remain largely unknown. Here, using a murine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model, we showed that MBL was a component of liver microenvironment and MBL-deficient (MBL–/–) mice exhibited an enhanced tumor growth compared with wild-type (WT) mice. This phenomenon was associated with elevation of myeloid derived suppressed cells (MDSCs) in tumor tissue of MBL–/– mice. MBL deficiency also resulted in an increase of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which showed enhanced cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Pharmacological inhibition of COX-2 in vivo partially abrogated the MBL deficiency-promoted tumor growth and MDSC accumulation. Mechanistic studies revealed that MBL could interact directly with HSCs and inhibit HCC-induced HSCs activation via downregulating the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/COX-2/PGE2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, MBL-mediated suppression of HCC is validated by administration of MBL-expressing, liver-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV), which significantly inhibited HCC progression in MBL–/– mice. Taken together, these data reveal that MBL may impact on tumor development by shaping the tumor microenvironment via its interaction with the local stromal cells, and also suggests its potential therapeutic use for the treatment of HCC.

Substitution of Mannan-Binding Lectin (MBL)-Deficient Serum With Recombinant MBL Results in the Formation of New MBL/MBL-Associated Serine Protease Complexes.

The lectin pathway (LP) of complement activation depends on the activation of the MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs) circulating in complex with mannan-binding lectin (MBL). MBL deficiency is the most common complement deficiency and has been associated with several pathological conditions. As we had previously shown, plasma-derived MBL (pdMBL) contains pre-activated MASPs that upon in vivo pdMBL substitution results in restoration of MBL concentrations but no LP functionality due to immediate inactivation of pdMBL–MASP complexes upon infusion. In this study, we analyzed MBL-sufficient and -deficient serum by size-exclusion chromatography for complexes of LP activation. In both sera, we identified non-bound free forms of MASP-2 and to lesser extent MASP-1/3. After addition of recombinant MBL (rMBL) to MBL-deficient serum, these free MASPs were much less abundantly present, which is highly suggestive for the formation of high-molecular complexes that could still become activated upon subsequent ligand binding as shown by a restoration of C4-deposition of MBL-deficient serum. Ficolin (FCN)-associated MASPs have been described to redistribute to ligand-bound MBL, hereby forming new MBL/MASP complexes. However, reconstitution of MBL-deficient serum with rMBL did not change the relative size of the FCN molecules suggestive for a limited redistribution in fluid phase of already formed complexes. Our findings demonstrate that rMBL can associate with free non-bound MASPs in fluid phase while preserving full restoration of LP functionality. In contrast to pdMBL products containing pre-activated MASPs which become inactivated almost immediately, these current data provide a rationale for substitution studies using rMBL instead.

Recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTI) in the elderly: A late onset mild immunodeficiency?

Elderly with late-onset recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTI) often have specific anti-polysaccharide antibody deficiency (SPAD). We hypothesized that late-onset RRTI is caused by mild immunodeficiencies, such as SPAD, that remain hidden through adult life. We analyzed seventeen elderly RRTI patients and matched controls. We determined lymphocyte subsets, expression of BAFF receptors, serum immunoglobulins, complement pathways, Pneumovax-23 vaccination response and genetic variations in BAFFR and MBL2. Twelve patients (71%) and ten controls (59%) had SPAD. IgA was lower in patients than in controls, but other parameters did not differ. However, a high percentage of both patients (53%) and controls (65%) were MBL deficient, much more than in the general population. Often, MBL2 secretor genotypes did not match functional deficiency, suggesting that functional MBL deficiency can be an acquired condition. In conclusion, we found SPAD and MBL deficiency in many elderly, and conjecture that at least the latter arises with age.

Genetic and Phenotypic Screening of Mannose-Binding Lectin in Relation to Risk of Recurrent Vulvovaginal Infections in Women of North India: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Recurrent Vulvovaginal Infections (RVVI) is common problem associated with women of reproductive age. The function and deleterious effect of Mannose Binding Lectin 2 (MBL2) common polymorphisms are reported to be associated with various diseases. However, the role of MBL2 promoter gene polymorphisms and their combined effect with structural variant along with Serum Mannose Binding Lectin (sMBL) levels in RVVI has not been investigated. The study included 258 RVVI cases and 203 age matched healthy controls. These were investigated for the distribution of MBL2 codon 54 and promoter polymorphisms by Amplification Refractory Mutation System-Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR). sMBL levels were quantified by Enzyme Linked Immnosorbent Assay (ELISA). The frequency of X allele and its genotypes was significantly high in cases than controls conferring risk toward RVVI and its types (p < 0.05). The HXPA (OR; 2.0), LXQB (OR; 1.43) haplotypes were associated with susceptibility to RVVI cases while haplotype LYQB significantly protected against RVVI (OR; 0.58), Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (OR; 0.27) and Mixed Infections (MI) cases (OR; 0.62) with high frequency observed in controls (p < 0.05). Mean sMBL levels were significantly low in RVVI, BV, Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VVC), and MI cases compared to controls (p < 0.05). VVC patient showed significantly low sMBL levels than RVVI and MI cases (p < 0.05). The mean sMBL levels segregated based on MBL2 genotypes and haplotypes showed significant difference in different cases groups with controls. The findings of the present study suggested that MBL2 Y/X polymorphism and low sMBL levels were associated with susceptibility to RVVI either it is BV, VVC, or MI. Thus MBL deficiency in women with RVVI may contribute to decreased efficiency in clearing of pathogens. Hence, specific measures like administration of purified or recombinant MBL might decrease the incidence of vaginal infections recurrences and more-effective treatment.