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 …

Seasonal influenza A viruses (IAV) originate from pandemic IAV and have undergone
changes in antigenic structure, including addition of glycans to the hemagglutinin (HA) …

Surfactants, both chemical and biological, are amphiphilic compounds which can reduce
surface and interfacial tensions by accumulating at the interface of immiscible fluids and …

Collectins play important roles in the innate immune defense against microorganisms.
Recently, a new collectin, collectin 11 (CL-11 or CL-K1), was identified via database …

Despite recent advances in using biologicals that target Th2 pathways, glucocorticoids form
the mainstay of asthma treatment. Asthma morbidity and mortality remain high due to the …

The acute inflammatory airway response is characterized by a time-dependent onset
followed by active resolution. Emerging evidence suggests that epithelial cells of the …

Proteins are frequently modified by complex carbohydrates (glycans) that play central roles
in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of cells and tissues in humans and lower …

Collectins are collagen-containing C-type (calcium-dependent) lectins which are important
pathogen pattern recognising innate immune molecules. Their primary structure is …

Animal Lectins: Form, Function and Clinical Applications presents up-to-date knowledge of
animal lectins. Detailed descriptions on biological activities, tissue and/or subcellular …

SP-D is a lectin involved in the first line of defense against microorganisms. It is primarily
found in the lung but also at extrapulmonary sites and in the circulation. An immunoassay for …