Because the lungs function as the body's gas-exchange organ, they are inevitably exposed
to air that is contaminated with pathogens, allergens and pollutants. Host-defence …

The complement system comprises several fluid-phase and membrane-associated proteins.
Under physiological conditions, activation of the fluid-phase components of complement is …

Fatal human respiratory disease associated with the 1918 pandemic influenza virus and
potentially pandemic H5N1 viruses is characterized by severe lung pathology, including …

Collectins and ficolins, present in plasma and on mucosal surfaces, are humoral molecules
of the innate immune systems, which recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns …

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a collagenous serum lectin believed to be of importance in
innate immunity. Genetically determined low levels of the protein are known to predispose to …

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a versatile macromolecule, embodying functional
characteristics of IgM, IgG and C1q. It might be particularly important in the early stages of a …

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is a highly contagious transmittable disease
caused by a recently discovered coronavirus, pathogenic SARS-CoV-2. Followed by the …

When the adaptive immune response is either immature or compromised, the innate
immune system constitutes the principle defense against infection. Mannose-binding lectin …

The three-dimensional structure of pentameric human serum amyloid P component at high
resolution, the first reported for a pentraxin, reveals that the tertiary fold is remarkably similar …

The possibility that the lipoprotein complex of lung surfactant functions in pulmonary host
defense as well as lowering surface tension at the air-liquid interface has been the subject of …