Collectins and Ficolins

Protein-carbohydrate interactions are utilized by the immune system for several defense activities. Collectins and ficolins have a key role in maintaining the balance of surfactants in the lungs and supporting the immune system in the lungs, respectively. This chapter provides an extensive description of two soluble pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), collectins and ficolins. It covers their structure, specificity for binding to certain ligands, biological functions along with initiating immune response by various mechanisms, their genetic characteristics, associations with various diseases, and their potential for use in therapy and diagnosis. The potential of collectins as diagnostic markers and therapeutic agents in diverse malignancies for their antitumorigenic effects has also been investigated. These findings have greatly enhanced our understanding of the innate immune system’s previously overlooked specificity and effectiveness.