Mannose-binding protein

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mannose-binding protein is a soluble factor in the human body that binds mannose residues to pathogens. It is part of the immune system's defences against bacteria. Because mannose is not found on the human cell membrane, mannose-binding proteins bind only foreign pathogens and not host cells.

It is produced in the liver as a response to infection, and is part of many other factors termed acute phase proteins.

Mannose-binding protein may also be referred to as mannan binding lectin.

UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot entry: P11226 (Human MBP)