animals Review Activity of Mannose-Binding Lectin on Bacterial-Infected Chickens—A Review Peter A. Idowu 1,* , Adeola P. Idowu 2, Oliver T. Zishiri 3 , Takalani J. Mpofu 1 , Edwin J. A. Veldhuizen 4 , Khathutshelo A. Nephawe 1 and Bohani Mtileni 1 1 Department of Animal Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria 0001, South Africa;
[email protected] (T.J.M.);
[email protected] (K.A.N.);
[email protected] (B.M.) 2 Department of Animal Science, North West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa;
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[email protected]; Tel.: +27-71-042-3992 Simple Summary: In the quest to combat bacterial-related diseases in chickens, different methods, of which some are less economical and less effective on the long-term, have been adapted. However, chickens possess mannose-binding lectin (MBL) which could be vital in managing pathogenic bacteria in chickens. MBL is one of the soluble proteins secreted by the chicken’s innate immune system which can be activated when chickens are exposed to chicken-related diseases. This review explains Citation: Idowu, P.A.; Idowu, A.P.; how mannose-binding lectin activation can help in fighting bacterial pathogens in chickens. This Zishiri, O.T.; Mpofu, T.J.; Veldhuizen, E.J.A.; Nephawe, K.A.; Mtileni, B.