Low levels of mannose-binding lectin, an immune system protein, are present in the blood of those who have this illness.

[2] This is especially true when it comes to chronic illnesses like cystic fibrosis, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and weakened immunity, which are all present in the neonatal period.

[1] Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a soluble innate immune system pattern recognition molecule.

[5] MBL activates the complement lectin pathway by binding to glycoconjugates on the surface of a variety of clinically significant bacteria, viruses, and fungi that contain mannose, fucose, or N-acetylglucosamine.

[8][9] Additionally, MBL may contribute to the resolution of lung inflammation by apoptosis cell clearance and proinflammatory cytokine secretion suppression.