Mbl2 Antibody / Mannose-binding lectin 2

MBL2, also called mannose-binding lectin (protein C) 2, soluble or Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a lectin that is instrumental in innate immunity. MBL2 is mapped to chromosome 10q11.2-q21. It belongs to the class of collectins in the C-type lectin superfamily, whose function appears to be pattern recognition in the first line of defense in the pre-immune host. MBL2 recognizes carbohydrate patterns, found on the surface of a large number of pathogenic micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Binding MBL2 to a micro-organism results in activation of the lectin pathway of the complement system. Another important function of MBL2 is that this molecule binds senescent and apoptotic cells and enhances engulfment of whole, intact apoptotic cells, as well as cell debris by phagocytes.