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Updated: May 13, 2026
Personalized Peptide Arrays for Detection of HLA Alloantibodies in Organ Transplantation
Published on: September 6, 2017
Mannose binding lectin (mbl2) haplotype frequencies in solid organ transplant patients and correlation with MBL
Heather L Stevenson1, Alexandra Amador, Jennifer McCue
1Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States.
Abstract:
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a protein critical in activating complement. Patients with wild-type and variant mbl2 genotypes have high or low concentrations of MBL protein, which is known to increase susceptibility to transplant rejection or infection, respectively. Our objective was to determine mbl2 genotype frequencies in future solid organ transplant recipients in order to optimize their induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapies, and to provide MBL reference data for this unique population. We genotyped 1687 patients, and concurrently measured protein in 807 of them, during 2010-2011. Frequencies of the structural allele SNPs in our population were similar to those of other studied populations; however, Black patients with the same intermediate and deficient mbl2 genotypes as Caucasians produced significantly lower levels of MBL protein; therefore, within this population more genotypes should be considered MBL-deficient. Overall, the most critical parameter in determining serum MBL protein concentration was genotype, which was independent of other factors including ethnicity, gender, or diseased native organ type.
Insights
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) genotype influences protein levels, impacting transplant outcomes. Black patients with certain genotypes showed lower MBL, suggesting a need for tailored immunosuppression strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Transplantation
Background:
- Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is crucial for complement activation.
- MBL protein levels, determined by mbl2 genotype, affect transplant rejection and infection risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine mbl2 genotype frequencies in solid organ transplant candidates.
- Optimize immunosuppressive therapies based on MBL levels.
- Establish MBL reference data for transplant recipients.
Main Methods:
- Genotyped 1687 patients for mbl2 alleles.
- Measured serum MBL protein in 807 patients.
- Analyzed genotype-phenotype correlations, considering ethnicity.
Main Results:
- mbl2 allele SNP frequencies were similar to other populations.
- Black patients with intermediate/deficient genotypes had lower MBL protein than Caucasians.
- Genotype was the primary determinant of MBL concentration, irrespective of ethnicity or gender.
Conclusions:
- Genotype is the key predictor of MBL levels in transplant candidates.
- Certain mbl2 genotypes may indicate MBL deficiency more broadly in Black patients.
- Personalized immunosuppression strategies informed by MBL genotype are warranted.
