The possible effects of the lectin pathway of the complement system are?

• A. C3 convertase formation.
• B. Opsonization of infecting microbes.
• C. Cell lysis of infecting microbes.
• D. Triggering the inflammatory response.
• E. All of the above.

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the lectin pathway is one of the three pathways of the complement system, which is part of the innate immune response.
2. Recognize that the lectin pathway is activated by the binding of mannose-binding lectin (MBL) to carbohydrates on the surface of pathogens.
3. Identify that once activated, the lectin pathway leads to the formation of C3 convertase, an enzyme complex that plays a central role in the complement cascade.
4. Acknowledge that the formation of C3 convertase results in the cleavage of C3 into C3a and C3b, where C3b acts as an opsonin, enhancing phagocytosis of microbes.
5. Realize that the complement cascade can also lead to the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC), causing cell lysis, and the release of inflammatory mediators, triggering an inflammatory response.