How is the lectin complement pathway activated?

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Multiple Choice

How is the lectin complement pathway activated?

Explanation:
The lectin pathway starts when pattern-recognition molecules like mannose-binding lectin (MBL) bind to carbohydrate patterns on microbial surfaces, such as mannose residues. This MBL binding activates associated MASP enzymes, especially MASP-2, which then cleave C4 and C2 to form the C4b2a complex, the C3 convertase of this pathway. This leads to downstream cleavage of C3, opsonization, inflammation, and eventual formation of the membrane attack complex. Key point: this activation is antibody-independent, unlike the classical pathway, which requires antibodies to help activate C1. The other options describe either antibody-dependent activation or more general, nonspecific interactions, not the specific first step of the lectin pathway.

The lectin pathway starts when pattern-recognition molecules like mannose-binding lectin (MBL) bind to carbohydrate patterns on microbial surfaces, such as mannose residues. This MBL binding activates associated MASP enzymes, especially MASP-2, which then cleave C4 and C2 to form the C4b2a complex, the C3 convertase of this pathway. This leads to downstream cleavage of C3, opsonization, inflammation, and eventual formation of the membrane attack complex.

Key point: this activation is antibody-independent, unlike the classical pathway, which requires antibodies to help activate C1. The other options describe either antibody-dependent activation or more general, nonspecific interactions, not the specific first step of the lectin pathway.

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