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L-ficolin in children with recurrent respiratory infections

A P M Atkinson1, M Cedzynski, J Szemraj

  • 1Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|November 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Low serum L-ficolin levels are found in children with recurrent respiratory infections, particularly those with allergies. This suggests L-ficolin may protect against infections complicating allergic disease.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Allergy

Background:

  • The lectin pathway of complement activation is crucial for opsonizing microorganisms.
  • Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) insufficiency is linked to recurrent childhood respiratory infections.
  • L-ficolin and H-ficolin are also key components of the lectin pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum L-ficolin levels and respiratory infections in children.
  • To explore the relationship between L-ficolin concentrations and co-existing atopic disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Serum L-ficolin concentrations were measured in 313 children with respiratory infections and 74 healthy controls.
  • Statistical analysis was used to compare L-ficolin levels between groups and identify associations.

Main Results:

  • 6% of pediatric respiratory infection patients had L-ficolin concentrations below the control group's lower limit (P < 0.02).
  • Low L-ficolin levels were most strongly associated with children who had co-existing atopic disorders (11%; P=0.002).

Conclusions:

  • Serum L-ficolin deficiency may be a risk factor for respiratory infections in children.
  • L-ficolin might play a protective role against microorganisms that complicate allergic diseases.

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