Complement System p1 (classical pathway) Flashcards
A complex series of more than 30 soluble and cell-bound proteins that interact in a very specific way to enhance host defense mechanism against foreign cells
Complement
Is complement a heat-labile or heat-stable substance?
Heat-labile
Who gave the term “complement”?
Paul Erlich
Who was awarded a Noble Prize for elucidating the nature of complement?
Jules Bordet
Effect of complement activation:
Activation of immune system
Opsonization (C3b, C4b, C5b)
Lysis of foreign cells and immune complexes
What is the effect of chronic complement activation?
Leads to inflammation and tissue damage
Where are acute phase reactants produced?
Hepatocytes
The two most common acute phase reactant in the body
C-reactive protein
Serum amyloid A
Who signals the production of acute phase reactants in the hepatocytes?
Cytokines
What is the response time of the production of acute phase reactants?
12-24 hours
Where are most plasma complement protein synthesized?\
Liver
All plasma complement protein are synthesized in the liver except:
C1
Where is C1 produced?
Epithelial cells and Factor D (made in adipose tissue)
Plasma complement protein are released in inactive precursor called:
Zymogens
In what ways can the complement system be activated?
Classical pathway
Alternative pathway
Lectin pathway
This is an antibody-independent pathway which plays a major role as a natural defense system
Classical pathway
Aka properdin system
Alternative pathway
Stabilized C3 convertase of the alternative pathway
Properdin
This pathway’s major constituent is mannose binding lectin (MBL)
Lectin pathway
What triggers the proteins in the classical pathway?
Antigen-antibody combination
Where is mannose found?
Cell walls
Outer coating of the bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
How many proteins are involved in the classical pathway?
9
Which immunoglobulin is the most efficient in the activation of the classical pathway?
IgM
Can the IgG activate the classical pathway?
Yes
IgGs capable of activating the classical pathway?
IgG 1, 2, 3
Most efficient IgG for the complement fixation
IgG 3
Meaning of MAC
Membrane Attack Complex
What protein is always involved in the recognition stage of the classical pathway?
C1
In the classical pathway, after the C1 has been fixed, what proteins are next to be activated?
C4, C2, C3
What is the C4, C2, C3 known as?
Activation unit