INHIBITORS OF THE LECTIN COMPLEMENT PATHWAY (LCP) AND THEIR USE

摘要

The invention relates to methods and products for regulating lectin compleme nt pathway associated complement activation. The methods include both in vitro and in vivo methods for inhibiting lectin complement pathway associated complement activation. The methods are accomplished by contacting a mammalia n cell having surface exposed MBL ligand with an effective amount of a mannan binding lectin (MBL) receptor antagonist to inhibit lectin complement pathwa y associated complement activation. The mannan binding lectin receptor antagonist may be administered to a subject to prevent cellular injury mediated by lectin complement pathway associated complement activation. The products of the invention include compositions of a mannan binding lectin receptor antagonist. The mannan binding lectin receptor antagonist is an isolated mannan binding lectin that selectively binds to a human mannan binding lectin epitope and that inhibits lectin complement pathway associate d complement activation.