Lectin pathway of complement activation

The lectin pathway of complement activation:

Initiated with serum lectin MBL (mannose-binding lectin). MBL binds to the carbohydrate structures of the surfaces of some microbes directly (independent of antibodies). Its structure and function are similar to C1 - after binding to the microbial surface it cleaves C4 and C2.

See also the Terminal (lytic) phase of the complement cascade.

Related Articles

 * Complement
 * Alternative pathway of complement activation
 * Classic pathway of complement activation
 * Mannose-binding lectin deficiency
 * Lectins