Detection of High Levels of Mannose-Binding Lectin in the Blood

Question

Detection of high levels of mannose-binding lectin in the blood could signify
A) the presence of an invading pathogen.
B) ongoing virus replication.
C) the activation of natural killer cells.
D) high levels of interferons.
E) in-progress differentiation of leukocytes.

Accepted Answer

Mannose-binding lectin is a type of pattern recognition receptor that can recognize and bind to carbohydrate molecules on the surface of certain pathogens. When it binds to these pathogens, it can activate the complement pathway and trigger an immune response. Therefore, high levels of mannose-binding lectin in the blood could signify the presence of an invading pathogen.