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Scheme of the complement system. The complement system, also known as complement cascade, is a part of the humoral, innate immune system and enhances (complements) the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism, promote inflammation, and attack the pathogen's cell membrane. [1]
The complement component C5 can be also activated by fluid phase C5 convertase. C5 is activated by CVFBb in the presence of complement component C6 and the C5b6 complex is formed. However, when C6 is added after C5 has been converted to C5b, the C5b6 complex fails to form. Therefore, the activation of C5 results in a transient binding site for C6.
Classical complement activation has also been shown to combat Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. [10] Certain variants of the IgM antibody were found to bind the Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus these IgM were found to be critical in complement activation through the classical pathway and subsequent destruction of the bacteria.
Three biochemical pathways activate the complement system: the classical complement pathway, the alternate complement pathway, and the mannose-binding lectin pathway. [9] These processes differ only in the process of activating C3 convertase, [10] which is the initial step of complement activation, and the subsequent process are eventually the ...
Membrane attack complex (Terminal complement complex C5b-9) A membrane attack complex attached to a pathogenic cell The membrane attack complex (MAC) or terminal complement complex (TCC) is a complex of proteins typically formed on the surface of pathogen cell membranes as a result of the activation of the host's complement system, and as such is an effector of the immune system.
Activation of the C1 complex initiates the classical complement pathway. This occurs when C1q binds to antigen-antibody complexes. The antibodies IgM or certain subclasses of IgG complexed with antigens are able to initiate the complement system: a single pentameric IgM can initiate the pathway, while several monomeric IgG molecules are needed. [3]
The C1 complement complex binds to these antibodies resulting in its activation via cross proteolysis. This activated C1 complex cleaves C4 and C2 forming a C4bC2b complex that covalently bonds to the surface of the microbe and functions as a C3 convertase, binding and cleaving C3 into C3a and C3b. Binding of a C3b molecule to the C4bC2b ...
The complement system is a biochemical cascade that attacks the surfaces of foreign cells. It contains over 20 different proteins and is named for its ability to "complement" the killing of pathogens by antibodies. Complement is the major humoral component of the innate immune response.