Lectinology

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Description

Collectins are part of a class of molecules termed 'pattern recognition receptors', or PRRs, a class of proteins which are employed by the cells of the immune system to identify molecules common to microbial pathogens but not present in mammalian cells. They are key elements in innate immunity as well as influence the development of adaptative immunity. Collectins are made in the liver and can opsonize bacteria by tagging the surface of a pathogen to facilitate recognition and ingestion by phagocytes. Collectins get their name because they have a collagen-like region and a lectin region.

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