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Variation in the Mannose Binding Lectin (MBL) Gene and Susceptibility to Sepsis

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Sepsis

Abstract

Abstract. A large proportion of the population is exposed to infectious agents and yet few succumb to disease for, as yet, undetermined reasons. Mannose binding lectin (MBL) plays a key role in the host response to infection through the activation of the lectin complement pathway and probably through acting as an opsin. Variations in the level of circulating MBL are observed, are genetically determined and may explain some of the host variation in susceptibility to disease. In particular, individuals with genetic variants that reduce levels are susceptible to a range of infections including meningococcal disease. However, the variants are common in the general population (around 30%) and a beneficial role may explain their prevalence as they may represent “balanced” polymorphisms. Further work is required to understand the specific mode of action of MBL in each disease and establish effective treatment regimes.

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  1. Department of Paediatrics, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, South Wharf Road, London, UK

    Martin L. Hibberd

  2. Department of Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, South Wharf Road, London, UK

    Michael Levin

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  1. Martin L. Hibberd
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Hibberd, M.L., Summerfield, J.A. & Levin, M. Variation in the Mannose Binding Lectin (MBL) Gene and Susceptibility to Sepsis. Sepsis 4, 201–207 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1012960906764

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