Related Experiment Videos
Complement-dependent neutralization of influenza virus by a serum mannose-binding lectin
E M Anders1, C A Hartley, P C Reading
1Department of Microbiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
The Journal of General Virology
|March 1, 1994
Summary
A guinea-pig serum lectin inhibits influenza virus by binding to its surface. This mannose-binding lectin neutralizes the virus through a novel complement-dependent pathway, offering insights into host defense against enveloped viruses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Influenza virus poses a significant global health threat.
- Understanding innate immune mechanisms against viral infections is crucial for developing new therapies.
- Serum lectins are key components of the innate immune system involved in pathogen recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature and mechanism of a beta inhibitor in guinea-pig serum that neutralizes influenza virus.
- To determine if this inhibitor is related to human mannose-binding protein (MBP).
- To elucidate the role of complement in the lectin's virus-neutralizing activity.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antibodies against human MBP to detect guinea-pig lectin binding.
- Testing the effect of a monoclonal antibody against human MBP on lectin activity.
- Assessing lectin activity against influenza A and B viruses.
- Investigating the role of complement in haemagglutination inhibition and virus neutralization.
Main Results:
- The guinea-pig serum beta inhibitor is a mannose-binding lectin serologically related to human MBP.
- This lectin binds to influenza virus in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner.
- A monoclonal antibody against human MBP inhibited the lectin's haemagglutination-inhibiting and virus-neutralizing activities.
- Lectin-mediated haemagglutination inhibition is complement-independent, acting via steric hindrance.
- Virus neutralization by the lectin requires activation of the classical complement pathway.
Conclusions:
- A novel mechanism of complement-dependent influenza virus inactivation by a serum mannose-binding lectin has been identified.
- This pathway may represent an important aspect of the first-line host defense against enveloped viruses.
- The findings highlight the conserved role of MBP-like molecules in innate immunity across species.