MBL
MBL (mannose binding lectin 2, encoded by MBL2) is a soluble, calcium-dependent collectin found in serum that acts as a pattern recognition receptor in innate immunity. It is also known as mannose-binding protein C, MBP-C, MBP1, MBP and COLEC1. Browse Assay Genie's current range of MBL research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
MBL is a calcium-dependent lectin that works as a pattern recognition receptor and starts the lectin pathway of the complement system. This cascade leads to phagocytosis and breakdown of pathogens and to signalling that strengthens the adaptive immune system. The protein recognises and binds the mannose moiety of carbohydrates on the pathogen surface, which activates the serine protease MASP1 and initiates the proteolytic cascade of the lectin complement pathway. UniProt also notes that MBL may bind DNA.
The MBL2 gene encodes the soluble mannose-binding lectin, or mannose-binding protein, found in serum. The protein belongs to the collectin family and is an important element of the innate immune system. It recognises mannose and N-acetylglucosamine on many microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast and viruses such as influenza virus, HIV and SARS-CoV. UniProt lists the protein as both secreted and present at the cell surface. HGNC places the gene in the collectins group and among complement system activation components, and the mouse and rat orthologs are both named Mbl2.
In SARS-CoV-2 infection, MBL activates the complement lectin pathway, which is reported to inhibit infection and reduce the induced inflammatory response. Deficiencies of the gene have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases. Earlier HGNC names for the gene, such as mannose-binding lectin (protein C) 2, soluble (opsonic defect), reflect this opsonic role.
MBL recognises pathogen-surface mannose and activates MASP1, making it a central component for studying how the lectin pathway is initiated.
As a collectin and pattern recognition receptor, MBL helps define how soluble sensors detect bacteria, yeast and viruses.
MBL binds microorganisms including influenza virus, HIV and SARS-CoV, and activates complement against SARS-CoV-2 to limit infection and inflammation.
Deficiencies of MBL2 have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases, making it relevant to disease association studies.
MBL is a calcium-dependent pattern recognition receptor. It binds mannose on pathogen surfaces, activates the MASP1 serine protease and starts the lectin pathway of complement, which leads to phagocytosis and breakdown of pathogens. It also helps strengthen the adaptive immune response.
The gene is MBL2 (mannose binding lectin 2). The protein is also called mannose-binding protein C, MBP-C, MBP1, MBP and COLEC1. Earlier HGNC names included mannose-binding lectin (protein C) 2, soluble (opsonic defect).
Mouse and rat both have an ortholog named Mbl2, so the gene is found in common model species. Deficiencies of MBL2 have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other proteins with similar names or related roles that have research products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P11226; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.