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Mannose-binding lectin is present in the infected airway: a possible pulmonary defence mechanism

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 13:24 authored by Katy FidlerKaty Fidler, T N Hilliard, A Bush, M Johnson, D M Geddes, M W Turner, E W F W Alton, N J Klein, J C Davies
BACKGROUND Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency has been associated with infections of the respiratory tract and with increased disease severity in cystic fibrosis (CF). The mechanism is uncertain, and could relate either to systemic or local effects. The aim of this study was to determine, in a large cohort of children, whether MBL is present on the airway surface in health or disease. METHODS Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from children with and without respiratory infection (some with underlying disease) was analysed for MBL and neutrophil elastase (NE). Levels were compared between groups, and correlations were examined with local and systemic inflammatory markers, infective organisms and load. RESULTS 85 children were recruited to the study. MBL was absent in the lavage of all 7 children without lung infection but present in 62% (8/13) of those with acute pneumonia/pneumonitis, 23% (5/22) with recurrent respiratory tract infections, 17% (1/6) with primary ciliary dyskinesia and 8% (3/37) with CF (p<0.01). Children with acute pneumonia/pneumonitis had significantly higher levels than those in the other groups. There was no relationship with organisms cultured or systemic markers of inflammation, although in the group with detectable MBL in the BAL fluid, the levels correlated positively with levels of NE. CONCLUSIONS MBL is undetectable in the non-infected airway but is present in a significant number of samples from children with lung infection. The levels found in the BAL fluid could be physiologically active and the protein may therefore be playing a role in host defence.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Thorax

ISSN

1468-3296

Publisher

BMJ Publishing Group

Issue

2

Volume

64

Page range

150-155

Department affiliated with

  • Clinical and Experimental Medicine Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-11-02

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