Mannan-binding lectin deficiency results in unusual antibody production and excessive experimental colitis in response to mannose-expressing mild gut pathogens

Abstract

These results suggest that systemic MBL helps to prevent excessive inflammation upon access of normally mild pathogens across the damaged intestinal epithelium. Lack of this innate defence promotes antibody responses with cross-reactive potential against common mannan epitopes. These interpretations are compatible with the increased prevalence of ASCA and complicated disease phenotypes in MBL-deficient patients with CD.