Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising at least one mannan-binding lectin (MBL) subunit, or at least one mannan-binding lectin (MBL) oligomer comprising the at least one mannan-binding lectin (MBL) subunit, in the manufacture of a medicament for prophylaxis and/or treatment of infection. In particular the invention relates to prophylaxis and/or treatment of infection in an individual having an immunocompromised condition; and/or an individual being at risk of acquiring an immunocompromised condition resulting from a medical treatment. The present invention is particular relevant for prophylaxis and/or treatment of infection in individuals suffering from neutropenia, in particular as prophylaxis and/or treatment of infection in individuals receiving or going to receive chemotherapy or similar treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determining predisposition to a manifestation of immune system related diseases, in particular infections, associated with a mutation in the human MASP-2 gene. The invention also features oligonucleotides, polypeptides, peptide fragments and antibodies which are used in the above methods as well as for the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of a disease associated with pathological activity of the lectin-complement pathway. Moreover, the invention provides a series of gene therapy vectors and a kit for diagnosis of the disease associated with a mutation in the human MASP-2 gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the use of subunits and oligomers of collectins and/or ficolins, such as mannan-binding lectin (MBL) in prophylactic and/or curative treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in an individual.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cancer-associated epitope comprised of two polypeptides, where the first polypeptide is from cytokeratin K8 and the second polypeptide is from cytokeratin K18. The cancer-associated epitope becomes exposed during malignant transformation, particularly during malignant transformation of colon, breast, ovarian, renal, lung and testicular tissues. Exposure of the cancer-associated epitope is by cleavage and removal of N-terminal peptides from cytokeratins K8 and K18. The invention also provides binding entities, including antibodies, where the affinity of such binding entities for the cancer-associated epitope can be as high as about 109 M?1 in cancer tissues, more than 100-fold higher than for cytokeratin K8/K18 complexes in normal tissues. The invention provides cancer-associated epitopes, binding entities, antibodies and methods of using such epitopes, binding entities and antibodies for detection and treatment of cancer.