Description
Functions in the lectin pathway of complement, which performs a key role in innate immunity by recognizing pathogens through patterns of sugar moieties and neutralizing them. The lectin pathway is triggered upon binding of mannan-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins to sugar moieties which leads to activation of the associated proteases MASP1 and MASP2. Functions as an endopeptidase and may activate MASP2 or C2 or directly activate C3 the key component of complement reaction. Isoform 2 may have an inhibitory effect on the activation of the lectin pathway of complement or may cleave IGFBP5. Also plays a role in development (PubMed: 21258343)