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Mannose binding lectin gene polymorphisms confer a major risk for severe infections after liver transplantation

Lee H Bouwman1, Anja Roos, Onno T Terpstra

  • 1Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands. l.h.bouwman@lumc.nl

Gastroenterology
|August 9, 2005
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The liver produces mannose binding lectin (MBL), a key immune protein. Donor liver MBL genotype significantly impacts infection risk after liver transplants, highlighting its crucial role in patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Transplantation Medicine
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Infection is a leading cause of mortality post-liver transplantation.
  • Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is vital for innate immunity and complement activation.
  • MBL variant alleles are linked to reduced MBL levels and impaired function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the liver's role in serum MBL production.
  • To assess the influence of MBL variant alleles on post-transplant infection susceptibility.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 49 liver transplant recipients and their donors.
  • Genotyped MBL exon 1 and promoter regions.
  • Monitored MBL serum concentration and infection incidence for one year.

Main Results:

  • Donor MBL variant alleles in recipients led to decreased MBL levels and loss of high molecular weight MBL.
  • No evidence of extrahepatic MBL production was found.
  • Donor MBL genotype, not recipient, correlated with increased infection risk.

Conclusions:

  • Liver is the primary site of serum MBL production, under strict genetic control.
  • Donor MBL genotype is a critical predictor of severe infections after liver transplantation.

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