B Cell Activation in HIV Infection
During HIV infection, B cells can be activated by HIV virions, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, infected macrophages and CD40 ligands. Mannose binding lectin (MBL), a C-type lectin, is in a complex with the MASP (MBL-associated serine proteases) enzyme and is involved in recognising and binding carbohydrates on pathogens (e.g. HIV envelope protein gp120 is highly glycosylated). When the carbohydrates are recognised, MBL activates the enzyme activity […]