MBL-standards
Clinical relevans
Human MBL is a C-type lectin and an important component in innate immunity. MBL is an oligomer i.e. forming dimers to hexamers of homotrimeric subunits of ~25 kDa polypeptides. This oligomerisation is essential for functional activity.
MBL forms a non-covalent complex with specific MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs), termed MASP-1, -2, and -3. Upon binding to the surface of a pathogen, MASP-activation is initiated with subsequent complement activation and clearance through lysis or phagocytosis.
MBL-deficiency is the most common immune defect resulting in susceptibility to severe infections in early childhood or if immuno-suppressed. MBL-deficiency has also been associated with several clinical disorders, e.g. autoimmune diseases, endocarditis, and septicaemia. Normal levels of oligomeric MBL in serum are 1 – 5 µg/mL whereas MBL-deficient serum levels are < 100 ng/ml, when estimated by a standard elisa for MBL quantification.
Background
Statens Serum Institut (SSI) has established an extensive range of analytical standards of which many can be purchased from the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC). Selected standards and controls, which are routinely used by SSI in in-house analyses, can be purchased directly from SSI.
Products under MBL-standards