The lectin pathway is one of the three pathways of the complement system, which is part of the immune response. It is activated when specific proteins, called lectins, bind to carbohydrates on the surface of pathogens. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions that ultimately leads to the destruction of the pathogen. In the lectin pathway, the key proteins involved include mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and ficolins. These proteins recognize and attach to sugars found on the surface of bacteria and viruses. Once activated, the lectin pathway enhances inflammation and helps clear infections by marking pathogens for destruction by immune cells.