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A dual role for Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) in HIV infection

Angelica Beate Winter Boldt1, Márcia Holsbach Beltrame2, Sandra Jeremias Catarino2

  • 1Laboratório de Imunopatologia Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil; Laboratório de Genética Molecular Humana, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.

Molecular Immunology
|September 3, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) gene variants influence susceptibility to HIV infection and AIDS progression. Low MASP-2 levels increase HIV susceptibility but offer protection against developing AIDS.

Area of Science:

  • Immunogenetics
  • Complement System
  • Viral Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2) activates the complement lectin pathway, crucial in viral infections.
  • MASP2 gene polymorphisms affect MASP-2 function and serum levels, potentially influencing disease outcomes.
  • Understanding MASP-2's role is vital in managing HIV/AIDS and HBV/HCV coinfections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between MASP2 polymorphisms, MASP-2 serum levels, and MBL-mediated complement activation.
  • To determine the role of these factors in susceptibility to HIV/AIDS and HBV/HCV coinfection.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 178 HIV patients (89 coinfected with HBV/HCV) and 385 controls.
  • Measured MASP-2 serum levels and MBL-driven complement activation using ELISA.
  • Haplotyped 11 MASP2 polymorphisms using multiplex sequence-specific PCR.

Main Results:

  • MASP2 genotype distribution differed between HIV+ patients and controls (P=0.030).
  • The p.126L variant, associated with low MASP-2 levels, increased susceptibility to HIV infection and HIV+HBV+ status.
  • Low MASP-2 levels were linked to protection against AIDS progression but correlated with lower CD4+ cell counts.

Conclusions:

  • Genetically determined MASP-2 levels exhibit a dual effect in HIV and viral coinfections.
  • Low MASP-2 levels enhance susceptibility to initial infection.
  • Conversely, low MASP-2 levels appear protective against the development of AIDS.
Keywords:
HCV/HBV coinfectionHIVHaplotype-specific genotypingMASP-2MASP2 polymorphism

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