Levels of mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 in healthy individuals.
J Immunol Methods
; 282(1-2): 159-67, 2003 Nov.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-14604549
ABSTRACT
The lectin pathway is part of the innate immune system providing a first line of defence against infections. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins, in complex with MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs), are capable of activating the complement system, thus mediating the destruction of infectious agents. MASP-2 cleaves C4 and C2 and is thus crucial for the activation of downstream complement components. We present an assay for quantifying total MASP-2 in plasma and serum samples. The assay is a sandwich type assay using a combination of two monoclonal anti-MASP-2 antibodies, one directed against the N-terminal part of MASP-2 and the other against its C-terminal part. Based on a population of Danish blood donors, the average MASP-2 concentration was estimated at 534 (S.D.+/-213) ng per ml of plasma. Characterization of the MASP-2 protein in serum showed high stability at 4 degrees C and at ambient temperature but a rapid decline at 37 degrees C. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) indicated that all MASP-2 in serum is present in complexes with MBL and ficolins.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Serine Endopeptidases
Type of study:
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
J Immunol Methods
Year:
2003
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Denmark