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

K J Fidler1, T N Hilliard, A Bush

  • 1Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, UK.

Thorax
|November 8, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is absent in healthy airways but present in children with lung infections. This suggests MBL may play a role in respiratory host defense mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) deficiency is linked to respiratory infections and increased severity in cystic fibrosis (CF).
  • The precise mechanism for MBL's role in respiratory health and disease remains unclear, with potential systemic or local effects.
  • This study investigated the presence of MBL in the airway surface of children, comparing healthy individuals with those suffering from various respiratory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the presence and levels of MBL in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from children.
  • To compare MBL presence in children with and without respiratory infections, including CF and primary ciliary dyskinesia.
  • To explore potential correlations between MBL levels and inflammatory markers, pathogens, and neutrophil elastase (NE) in the airways.

Main Methods:

  • Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected from 85 children.
  • BAL fluid was analyzed for Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and neutrophil elastase (NE).
  • MBL levels were compared across groups with different respiratory conditions and correlated with inflammatory markers and microbial presence.

Main Results:

  • MBL was undetectable in the airways of children without lung infection.
  • MBL was detected in 62% of children with acute pneumonia/pneumonitis, 23% with recurrent respiratory tract infections, 17% with primary ciliary dyskinesia, and 8% with CF.
  • Higher MBL levels were observed in acute pneumonia/pneumonitis cases, correlating positively with neutrophil elastase (NE) but not with specific organisms or systemic inflammation markers.

Conclusions:

  • MBL is present in the airways of children with lung infections but not in healthy children.
  • The detection of MBL in BAL fluid suggests a potential role in local host defense against respiratory pathogens.
  • Physiologically active levels of MBL in the airways may contribute to managing respiratory infections.

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