Lectin pathway

Lectin Pathway is a component of the immune system that plays a crucial role in the body's defense against pathogens. It is one of the three pathways of the complement system, alongside the classical pathway and the alternative pathway. The lectin pathway is initiated by the binding of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) or ficolins to specific carbohydrate patterns found on the surfaces of pathogens.

Function

The lectin pathway is activated when MBL or ficolins recognize and bind to certain carbohydrate patterns on the surface of a pathogen. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions that lead to the activation of the complement system, a key part of the body's immune response.

The activated complement system then helps to eliminate the pathogen by promoting phagocytosis, stimulating the release of inflammatory mediators, and directly killing the pathogen through the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC).

Components

The main components of the lectin pathway include:

• Mannose-binding lectin (MBL): A protein that recognizes and binds to specific carbohydrate patterns on the surfaces of pathogens.
• Ficolins: Proteins that recognize and bind to specific carbohydrate patterns on the surfaces of pathogens.
• MASP-1 and MASP-2: Enzymes that are activated upon the binding of MBL or ficolins to a pathogen, triggering the complement cascade.

Clinical significance

Deficiencies or mutations in the components of the lectin pathway can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections, particularly in early childhood. Conversely, overactivation of the lectin pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

See also

• Complement system
• Classical pathway
• Alternative pathway
• Membrane attack complex

References

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