MBL2 Gene Polymorphism and the Association with Neonatal Sepsis in Egyptian Neonates, a Case Control Study

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is an important component of innate immunity particularly in neonates whose adaptive immunity is not fully developed. Polymorphism in MBL2 gene promoter and exon1 determines MBL serum level and function. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of different MBL2 genotypes in neonatal sepsis among patients of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Two hundred and forty-five neonates were enrolled in this study (127 infected and 118 uninfected controls). Multiplex PCR and double amplification refractory mutation system (dARMS) were used for typing of MBL2 exon1 and promoter respectively. Klebsiella species were the most frequently isolated organisms (22.8%). There is no statistical significance difference in the distribution of different expression genotypes between infected group and controls (P = 0.11). However, prevalence of low MBL2 expression genotypes (XA/O and O/O) was higher in infected patients compared to control group (patients 25.2% and controls 15.3%). Low and medium MBL2 expression genotypes were mostly associated with Gram-negative bacterial infections (18.9% and 22.8%) respectively. A statistically significant association of Gram-negative bacterial infections with low MBL2 expression genotypes was found (P = 0.02). Higher frequency of AB and BB genotypes was observed (31.5% and 7.9%) in patients group compared to control, but without statistical significant difference.

Specific interaction of hepatitis C virus glycoproteins with mannan binding lectin inhibits virus entry

Mannan-binding lectin(MBL)is a soluble innate immune protein that binds to glycosylated targets.MBL acts as an opsonin and activates complement,contributing to the destruction and clearance of infecting microorganisms.Hepatitis C virus(HCV)encodes two envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2,expressed as non-covalent E1/E2 heterodimers in the viral envelope.E1 and E2 are potential ligands for MBL.Here we describe an analysis of the interaction between HCV and MBL using recombinant soluble E2 ectodomain fragment,the full-length E1/E2 heterodimer,expressed in vitro,and assess the effect of this interaction on virus entry.A binding assay using antibody capture of full length E1/E2 heterodimers was used to demonstrate calcium dependent,saturating binding of MBL to HCV glycoproteins.Competition with various saccharides further confirmed that the interaction was via the lectin domain of MBL.MBL binds to E1/E2 representing a broad range of virus genotypes.MBL was shown to neutralize the entry into Huh-7 cells of HCV pseudoparticles(HCVpp)bearing E1/E2 from a wide range of genotypes.HCVpp were neutralized to varying degrees.MBL was also shown to neutralize an authentic cell culture infectious virus,strain JFH-1(HCVcc).Furthermore,binding of MBL to E1/E2 was able to activate the complement system via MBL-associated serine protease 2.In conclusion,MBL interacts directly with HCV glycoproteins,which are present on the surface of the virion,resulting in neutralization of HCV particles.