Recombinant Human MASP1 protein

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Biological function summary

MASP1 plays a vital role in the innate immune system by activating the complement cascade. MASP1 works as part of a complex made up of pattern recognition molecules and other proteases. On binding to pathogens the complex undergoes conformational changes that activate MASP1. This activation leads to the cleavage of downstream substrates including MASP-2 and complement component C4 triggering a series of enzymatic reactions that enhance the pathogen clearance by opsonization and lysis.

Pathways

MASP1 is heavily involved in the lectin pathway one of the three activation pathways of the complement system. It shares functional ties with MASP-2 which continues the cascade after MASP1 activates the pathway. While the lectin pathway runs parallel to the classical pathway it is distinguished by the nature of its initiating molecules that recognize carbohydrate patterns on pathogen surfaces without needing antibodies. MASP1’s role is critical in facilitating the initial steps of this process which eventually leads to the activation of the terminal complement pathway components.