Bacteria that express mannose on their surface may bind mannose-binding lectin, which activates complement by the lectin pathway. One result of complement activation is opsonization and enhanced phagocytosis of the bacteria. In addition, the membrane attack complex generated by complement activation lyses bacteria, especially Neisseria species that are particularly susceptible to lysis because of their thin cell walls, and complement byproducts stimulate inflammatory responses by recruiting and activating leukocytes.