Characterization of an equine mannose-binding lectin and its roles in disease.
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.
Publication Date: 2006-03-29 PubMed ID: 16574074DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.03.055Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
This research article investigates the function and properties of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) in horses, and how alterations in its activity may relate to their immune response and health status.
Mannose-Binding Lectin (MBL)
- The mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a part of the innate immune system in mammals, functioning as an opsonin, a molecule that enhances phagocytosis by marking an antigen for an immune response.
- In the human immune system, MBL has a crucial role in the initial defense against infections, especially during the delay before a specific immune response develops.
- MBL activates the complement system through the lectin pathway, and this needed the MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2).
- One of the goals of the research was to study the homologues of MBL, specifically in horses, known as equine MBL (eMBL).
- Horse MBL (eMBL) was reported to have characteristics similar to human MBL (hMBL).
MBL in Health and Disease
- During the study, the researchers noticed that activity levels of the MBL:MASP complex were lower in sick horses compared to healthy ones.
- This observation suggests that the MBL:MASP complex has a significant role in the immune response of horses and that a decrease in the activity of this complex could be linked to a compromised immune function and poor clinical outcome.
- The researchers implied that monitoring the MBL:MASP activity could be a potential method for assessing immune function and predicting health outcomes in horses.
Conclusion
- Overall, the study focused on understanding the properties and role of the mannose-binding lectin in the vital immune function of horses.
- The findings might contribute toward identifying new biomarkers that could be used to monitor immune function and predict clinical outcomes in equine veterinary practice.
Cite This Article
APA
Podolsky MJ, Lasker A, Flaminio MJ, Gowda LD, Ezekowitz RA, Takahashi K.
(2006).
Characterization of an equine mannose-binding lectin and its roles in disease.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 343(3), 928-936.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbrc.2006.03.055 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratory of Developmental Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Female
- Horse Diseases / immunology
- Horses
- Mannose-Binding Lectins / chemistry
- Mannose-Binding Lectins / genetics
- Mannose-Binding Lectins / physiology
- Mannose-Binding Protein-Associated Serine Proteases / metabolism
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Phylogeny
- Sequence Alignment
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Shi B, Wang L, Mou S, Zhang M, Wang Q, Qi C, Cao L, Che X, Fang W, Gu L, Yan Y, Qian J, Ni Z. Identification of mannose-binding lectin as a mechanism in progressive immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Int J Clin Exp Pathol 2015;8(2):1889-99.
- Liu J, Ju Z, Li Q, Huang J, Li R, Li J, Ma L, Zhong J, Wang C. Mannose-binding lectin 1 haplotypes influence serum MBL-A concentration, complement activity, and milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle. Immunogenetics 2011 Nov;63(11):727-42.
- Ip WK, Takahashi K, Moore KJ, Stuart LM, Ezekowitz RA. Mannose-binding lectin enhances Toll-like receptors 2 and 6 signaling from the phagosome. J Exp Med 2008 Jan 21;205(1):169-81.
- Capilla J, Clemons KV, Stevens DA. Animal models: an important tool in mycology. Med Mycol 2007 Dec;45(8):657-84.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
