Mannose-binding lectin is produced by vaginal epithelial cells and its level in the vaginal fluid is influenced by progesterone

作者：Bulla R; De Seta F; Radillo O; Agostinis C; Durigutto P; Pellis V; De Santo D; Crovella S; Tedesco F^*

来源：Molecular Immunology, 2010, 48(1-3): 281-286.

DOI：10.1016/j.molimm.2010.07.016

• MBL
• Complement
• Vagina
• Menstrual cycle
• Female reproductive tract
• Mucosal immunity

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a recognition molecule of the complement (C) system and binds to carbohydrate ligands present on a wide range of pathogenic bacteria viruses fungi and parasites
MBL has been detected in the cervico-vaginal cavity where it can provide a first-line defence against infectious agents colonizing the lower tract of the reproductive system
Analysis of the cervico-vaginal lavage (CVL) obtained from 11 normal cycling women at different phases of the menstrual cycle revealed increased levels of MBL in the secretive phase Part of this MBL derives from the circulation as indicated by the presence of transferrin in CVL tested as a marker of vascular and tissue permeability The local synthesis of MBL is suggested by the finding that its level is substantially higher than that of transferrin in the secretive phase The contribution of endometrium is negligible since the MBL level did not change before and after hysterectomy RT-PCR and in situ RT-PCR analysis showed that the vaginal tissue and in particular the basal layer of the epithelium is a source of MBL which binds to the basal membrane and to cells of the outer layers of the epithelium
In conclusion we have shown that MBL detected in CVL derives both f

• 出版日期2010-12