| Title | Characterization of an equine mannose-binding lectin and its roles in disease. |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2006 |
| Authors | Podolsky MJ, Lasker A, M Flaminio JBF, Gowda LD, R Ezekowitz AB, Takahashi K |
| Journal | Biochem Biophys Res Commun |
| Volume | 343 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pagination | 928-36 |
| Date Published | 2006 May 12 |
| ISSN | 0006-291X |
| Keywords | Amino Acid Sequence, Animals, Base Sequence, Female, Horse Diseases, Horses, Mannose-Binding Lectins, Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases, Molecular Sequence Data, Phylogeny, Sequence Alignment |
| Abstract | The mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a pattern recognition serum protein, participates in the innate immune system of mammals as an opsonin. In humans, MBL plays a key role in first-line host defense against infection during the lag period prior to the development of a specific immune response. MBL also activates complement via the lectin pathway that requires a MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2). Homologues of human MBL (hMBL) have been identified in a variety of mammals, fish, and primitive animals such as ascidians. In this study, we report that equine MBL (eMBL) has properties that are similar to hMBL. In addition, we found low levels of MBL:MASP activity in sick horses compared to healthy horses. These results suggest that eMBL is involved in the immune response of the horse and that low MBL:MASP activity could be used to monitor immune function and clinical outcome. |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.03.055 |
| Alternate Journal | Biochem Biophys Res Commun |
| PubMed ID | 16574074 |