Mannose-binding lectin deficiency influences innate and antigen-presenting functions of blood myeloid dendritic cells

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a serum lectin that plays a significant role in innate host defence. Individuals with mutations in exon 1 of the MBL2 gene have reduced MBL ligand binding and complement activation function and increased incidence of infection. We proposed that, during infection, MBL deficiency may impact on dendritic cell (DC) function. We analysed the blood myeloid DC (MDC) surface phenotype, inflammatory cytokine production and...