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Binding of mouse mannan-binding lectins to different bacterial pathogens of mice

Lise R Phaneuf1, Brandon N Lillie, M Anthony Hayes

  • 1Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|May 12, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mice possess two mannan-binding lectins (MBL-A and MBL-C) that differ in their bacterial binding capabilities. MBL-A binds to Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella oxytoca, while MBL-C binds to these and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Glycobiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Humans have one circulating mannan-binding lectin (MBL).
  • Rodents, pigs, rabbits, and rhesus monkeys possess two MBLs: MBL-A and MBL-C.
  • Plasma MBL-A and MBL-C exhibit similar in vitro mannan-binding activity but may differ in microbial target recognition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the carbohydrate-dependent binding of mouse plasma MBL-A and MBL-C to mannan-sepharose beads and intact pathogenic bacteria.
  • To investigate the differential binding specificities of MBL-A and MBL-C towards various bacterial pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Mouse plasma was incubated with mannan-sepharose beads and intact bacteria (Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa).
  • Bound MBL-A and MBL-C were eluted using N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc).
  • Eluted proteins were identified using Western blot analysis with MBL-A or MBL-C specific monoclonal antibodies.

Main Results:

  • MBL-C (approx. 50kDa) bound to mannan-sepharose, K. oxytoca, and S. aureus. A smaller MBL-C form (approx. 45kDa) bound to P. aeruginosa.
  • MBL-A (approx. 175kDa and larger bands) bound to mannan-sepharose, S. aureus, and K. oxytoca, but not P. aeruginosa.
  • Mouse MBL-A and MBL-C demonstrated distinct binding patterns to different bacterial pathogens.

Conclusions:

  • Mouse plasma MBL-A and MBL-C are not functionally equivalent in recognizing bacterial pathogens.
  • Differential binding suggests distinct roles for MBL-A and MBL-C in innate immunity against specific microbial threats.

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