Summary Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL), collectin‐10, collectin‐11, and the ficolins (ficolin‐
1, ficolin‐2, and ficolin‐3) are soluble pattern recognition molecules in the lectin complement …

The concept of innate immunity refers to the first-line host defense that serves to limit
infection in the early hours after exposure to microorganisms. Recent data have highlighted …

Since its discovery in the 19th century, the complement system has developed into a
clinically significant entity. The complement system has been implicated in a variety of …

We investigated the functions of adiponectin, an adipocyte-specific secretory protein and a
new member of the family of soluble defense collagens, in hematopoiesis and immune …

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 …

Discrimination between self and non-self by lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) is a
strategy of innate immunity that is found in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In vertebrates …

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 pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune
system. It belongs to the collectin family of proteins in which lectin (carbohydrate …

Some proteins we now regard as animal lectins were discovered before plant lectins, though
many were not recognised as carbohydrate-binding proteins for many years after first being …