High School

The complement pathway that is activated by mannan-binding protein is the:

A) classical pathway
B) alternative pathway
C) C3 pathway
D) lectin pathway
E) properdin pathway

Answer :

Final answer:

The complement pathway activated by mannan-binding protein is the option D) lectin pathway, which is part of the body's immune response to pathogens.

Explanation:

The complement pathway that is activated by mannan-binding protein is the lectin pathway. The lectin pathway is triggered by the interaction of certain sugar molecules on the surface of pathogens with mannose-binding lectin (MBL) or ficolins. These carbohydrate-binding proteins, also known as lectins, are found in the plasma and tissue fluids. Once the lectin pathway is activated, it leads to a cascade of immune responses that help to clear infections, similar to the classical and alternative complement pathways.