MBL protein, also known as mannose-binding lectin, is a mature antibacterial protein present in plasma and belongs to one of various pattern recognition molecules (PRMs). The process of MBL is synthesized by the liver and stably exists in adults. It binds specifically to surface molecules of pathogenic microorganisms and participates in the body's immune system. Interacting with membrane binding proteins (CD91) on the surface of human cells, clearing some sources of aging blood cells and supporting the immune system.
Background of MBL
Human mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a highly conserved protein composed of three identical subunits, each containing a binding site and exhibiting immune response activity. MBL gene is located on chromosome 10, with 10 Exon and 522 amino acids. MBL is an important component of the immune system and a protein protected by the innate immune system. The existing research shows that MBL plays a very important role in the human immune system, including activating the Complement system, improving the immune response and eliminating pathogenic microorganisms.
The Function of MBL Protein
MBL is one of the multiple pattern recognition molecules that can bind sugars and fatty acids of various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. MBL can combine with sugars and fatty acids on the surface of pathogenic microorganisms, thus promoting their elimination by macrophages and Natural killer cell in vivo. In addition, MBL can also activate the Complement system, promote inflammatory response and immune cell activation.
MBL protein related signaling pathways
MBL mainly outputs signal to activate the Complement system, and can also affect the immune system through a variety of signal pathways. When MBL combines with pathogens, it can activate proteins such as membrane attack complex (MAC), adefos, and complement factor Bb to produce ligase, forming complement membrane attack complex (MAC), and then destroy pathogenic microorganisms. At the same time, MBL can activate inflammation and apoptosis pathways, regulate immune cell activation and cytokine secretion.
MBL protein related diseases
MBL defects can lead to the occurrence of various diseases. For example, a lack of MBL protein can increase the incidence of infection. In fact, approximately 10% to 15% of the population have MBL deficiency or functional abnormalities. The infection rate of MBL deficient individuals is relatively high, especially in certain diseases such as antibody deficiency, invasive pneumonia, sporadic atypical pneumococcal pneumonia, SARS, etc., and in severe cases, it can put patients in a life-threatening state.
The potential application of MBL protein in medicine
The application potential of MBL protein is increasingly being valued by medical researchers. At present, research based on MBL protein has been involved in fields such as medicine and diagnosis. MBL protein can recognize and bind sugars and fatty acids on the surface of many pathogens, therefore, MBL protein has great practical significance for the treatment of glycopeptides and fatty acid binding drugs.
List of MBL protein related drugs under research
At present, there are many drugs being studied and developed for diseases caused by MBL treatment deficiencies or functional abnormalities. Among them, the most noteworthy ones are immune modulators and complement activation inhibitors related to MBL proteins. For example, C1q directly targets MBL defects for treatment, while another drug can enhance the efficacy of Natural killer cell and macrophages and enhance the immunity of the body. In addition, there are already some drugs that target the MBL structure and deflect its antibody recognition, such as manitoba Aspergillus, pentraxin3, and recombinant human MASP, that have regulatory effects.
