Three proteins are produced from the MASP1 gene: MASP-1 and MASP-3 and MAp44. We present an assay specific for MASP-1, which is based on inhibition see more of the binding of anti-MASP-1-specific antibody to MASP-1 domains coated onto microtitre wells. MASP-1 was found in serum in large complexes eluting in a position corresponding to ∼600 kDa after gel permeation chromatography in calcium-containing buffer and as monomers of ∼75 kDa in dissociating buffer. The concentration of MASP-1 in donor sera (n = 105) was distributed log-normally with a median value of 11 µg/ml (range 4–30 µg/ml). Serum and citrate plasma levels were similar, while the values in ethylenediamine

tetraacetic acid plasma were slightly lower and in heparin plasma were 1·5 times higher than in serum. MASP-1 was present at adult level at 1 year of age, while it was 60% at birth. In normal healthy individuals the level of MASP-1 was stable throughout a 2-month period. After induction of an acute-phase reaction by operation we found an initial short decrease, concomitant with an increase in C-reactive protein levels, followed by an increase, doubling the MASP-1

concentration after 2 days. The present data prepare the ground for studies on the associations of MASP-1 levels with disease. The innate immune system comprises a number of recognition and effector mechanisms. The complement system is an important component of these systems. It consists of more than 30 proteins, some of which are able to recognize foreign or altered structures, while others are pro-enzymes poised to be activated by the recognition molecules [1,2]. When complement is activated it mediates inflammatory Small molecule library screening reactions leading to the elimination of infectious microorganisms, Isotretinoin but the destruction of self-tissues can be a side effect of complement-initiated inflammation [3]. The lectin pathway of the complement system is initiated when mannan-binding

lectin (MBL) or one of the three ficolins (H-ficolin, L-ficolin or M-ficolin), in complex with the three MBL-associated serine proteases (MASPs: MASP-1, MASP-2 and MASP-3) and MBL-associated proteins (MAp19 and MAp44), binds to appropriate targets [4,5]. Suitable targets for MBL display patterns of adequately spaced terminal carbohydrates with horizontal 3- and 4-OH groups, whereas targets for the ficolins may be carbohydrates with N-acetyl groups or, indeed, other compounds with a suitable pattern of acetyl groups [4,6]. The exact composition of the MBL/MASP- or ficolin/MASP-complexes remains unsolved, but it is generally agreed that MASP-2 plays a most significant role in the generation of the C3 convertase, C4bC2a [7,8]. While the role of MASP-2 appears reasonably well established, the roles of MASP-1, MASP-3, MAp19 and MAp44 are still debated [4,9–11]. However, results have indicated that MASP-1 will accelerate while MASP-3 and MAp44 will inhibit the generation of the C3 convertase [9–11].