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The Complement System:An Overview

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Complement Methods and Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 150))

Abstract

The complement (C) system consists of a group of 12 soluble plasma proteins that interact with one another in two distinct enzymatic activation cascades (the classical and alternative pathways) and in the nonenzymatic assembly of a cytolytic complex (the membrane attack pathway) (Fig. 1; Table 1). A third activation pathway, termed the lectin pathway, has recently been described (1,2). Control of these enzymatic cascades, essential to prevent rapid consumption of C in vivo, is provided by 10 or more plasma and membrane -bound inhibitory proteins acting at multiple stages of the system. C plays a central role in innate immune defense, which provides a system for the rapid destruction of a wide range of invading microorganisms.

The complement system and its control. The constituent pathways of the C system and the component proteins are shown. Enzymatic cleavages are represented by thick arrows. The lectin pathway differs from the CP only in that the MBP-MASP complex replaces the Cl complex. Regulators act to inhibit either the enzymes of the activation pathways (activated Cl, C3 convertases, C5 convertases) or assembly of the MAC.

Table 1 The Component Proteins of the Complement System
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  1. Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff

    B. Paul Morgan

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  1. Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK

    B. Paul Morgan

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© 2000 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ

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Morgan, B.P. (2000). The Complement System:An Overview . In: Morgan, B.P. (eds) Complement Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 150. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-056-X:1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-056-X:1

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-654-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-056-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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