Complement MBL pathway ELISA Kit

The mannose-binding lectin (MBL) pathway is one of the three main activation routes of the complement system, an essential component of innate immunity. MBL is a pattern recognition molecule that binds to specific carbohydrate motifs on the surface of pathogens, initiating a cascade that leads to opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Upon binding, MBL forms complexes with MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs), primarily MASP-1 and MASP-2, which then cleave complement proteins C4 and C2 to form the C3 convertase (C4b2a). This activation contributes to pathogen clearance without the need for antibodies. MBL and MASP levels, as well as functional activity of the pathway, can be measured in serum or plasma and serve as biomarkers for assessing innate immune competence.

In both research and clinical settings, biomarkers related to the MBL pathway are increasingly recognized for their role in infection susceptibility, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions. Deficiencies or polymorphisms in the MBL2 gene can lead to low serum MBL levels, which are associated with increased vulnerability to infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation. Conversely, overactivation of the MBL pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Clinically, MBL levels and functional assays can be used to stratify infection risk, monitor disease activity, and explore novel therapeutic targets. In research, the MBL pathway provides a model for studying host-pathogen interactions, complement-targeted therapies, and the genetic basis of immune regulation.

This product is manufactured in Sweden by Svar Life Sciences.