Innate Immunity (pt.2)

Question 1

The complement system (background info)

Answer 1

-One of the main mechanisms of humoral immunity
-An important part of innate immunity
-The term “complement” was introduced by Paul Ehrlich in 1899

Question 2

What is the complement system

Answer 2

-It complements antibodies and helps phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from the body
-Consists of proteins (mainly enzymes) secreted by various cells (hepatocytes, macrophages and intestinal epithelial cells) that normally circulate in the blood in an inactive form.

Question 3

The process of the complement system

Answer 3

-To activate the enzyme, a part of their molecule must be cleaved. This happens when there is a need for a protective reaction in the body.
-Then the activated enzyme uses another protein from the complement system as a substrate and in turn converts it into its active form.