Page "Cystic fibrosis" Paragraph 24

In addition, there is increasing evidence that genetic modifiers besides CFTR modulate the frequency and severity of the disease.

One example is mannan-binding lectin, which is involved in innate immunity by facilitating phagocytosis of microorganisms.

Polymorphisms in one or both mannan-binding lectin alleles that result in lower circulating levels of the protein are associated with a threefold higher risk of end-stage lung disease, as well as an increased burden of chronic bacterial infections.