Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) recognizes microorganisms and activates the complement system via MBL-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), which in a small case control study was found to be in higher concentrations in cord blood levels in premature infants predisposed to NEC and associated with a 3-fold increased risk to develop NEC (57). This evidence concerns the gene MASP2 and necrotizing enterocolitis.