Similar to the Man-specific lectins from plants and algae, the so-called mannose-binding lectins MBL from animals and especially, the calcium-dependent serum C-lectins, which play a key role as opsonins in innate immunity towards a number of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, were identified as selective inhibitors for the infection of host cells by SARS-CoV [139]. The gene discussed is MBL2; the disease is infection.