Mannose (or mannan)-binding lectin (MBL) is an oligomeric serum lectin that plays a role in innate immunity by activating the complement system. In human, two types of MBL-associated serine protease (MASP-1 and MASP-2) and a truncated protein of MASP-2 (small MBL-associated protein; sMAP or MAp19) are complexed with MBL. To clarify the proteolytic activities of MASP-1 and MASP-2 against C4, C2, and C3, we isolated these two types of MASP in activated forms from human serum by sequential affinity chromatography. On an anti-MASP-1 column, MASP-2 passed through the column in the presence of EDTA and high salt concentration, whereas MASP-1 was retained. Isolated MASP-1 and MASP-2 exhibited proteolytic activities against C3 and C4, respectively. C2 was activated by both MASPs. C1 inhibitor (C1 INH), an inhibitor for C1r and C1s, formed equimolar complexes with MASP-1 and MASP-2 and inhibited their proteolytic activities.

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Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) activates complement through MBL-associated serine proteases (MASP). A deficiency in MBL due to mutations at exon 1 of the human MBL gene is reported to cause vulnerability to infection. We examined sera of known MBL genotype by gel filtration and assessed their elution patterns using an ELISA for MBL and identified two MBL forms, a high-molecular-mass form and a lower-molecular-mass form. By the identification of either or both forms in individual sera, three types of patterns emerged: type 1 consisted of a high-molecular form; type 2, of a low-molecular form; and type 3, of both forms. Types 1, 2 and 3 corresponded, respectively, to a wild type (A/A), a homozygous mutation at codon 54 (B/B) and their heterozygote (A/B). One exception was a heterozygous LXPA/LYPB phenotype that exhibited the type-2 pattern. Binding to mannan and MASP-1/3 occurred exclusively with the high-molecular form. An apparent MBL deficiency does not in fact represent a deficiency in MBL molecules but rather the presence of circulating oligomeric mutant MBL with impaired function.

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We determined the presence in human serum of a complex consisting of mannose-binding protein (MBP), MBP-associated serine protease (MASP), which is a C1s-like protein with complement activation activity, and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M). Binding between these three molecules was in an ascending order of MBP, MASP and alpha 2M, in that alpha 2M bound directly to MASP, possibly through covalent bonds, whereas the binding between MBP and MASP was reversible and Ca(2+)-dependent. Since it was found that alpha 2M can inhibit complement activation by MASP and that MASP in the complex lacks esterolytic activity, it is conceivable that alpha 2M plays a regulatory role in MBP-derived complement activation via a mechanism involving MASP (the lectin pathway).