1. ¹SNBTS National Science Laboratory, Edinburgh, UK
2. ²Section of Experimental Haematology, Division of Cancer Sciences and Molecular Pathology, University of Glasgow, UK
3. ³Academic Transfusion Medicine Unit, University of Edinburgh, UK

Correspondence: Dr DC Kilpatrick, SNBTS National Science Laboratory, Ellen's Glen Road, Edinburgh EH17 7QT, UK. E-mail: dave.kilpatrick@snbts.csa.scot.nhs.uk

Received 14 May 2004; Accepted 14 September 2004; Published online 15 November 2004.

Abstract

Summary:

It has been reported that in allogeneic stem cell transplantation, the mannan-binding lectin (MBL) status of the donor has prognostic value for the recipient. Two MBL-deficient patients, with coexisting haematological malignancy, were identified who were treated with bone marrow from donors with normal MBL concentrations. Although both patients engrafted successfully and remain in complete remission, neither seroconverted to the MBL sufficiency status of his donor over a follow-up period exceeding 2 years. This does not support the concept of MBL replacement by stem cell therapy, and does not provide an explanation for high MBL concentrations in stem cell donors protecting recipients from post transplant infections.