The Complement System

Question 1

What activates each of the three complement pathways?

Answer 1

1. Classical: Antibodies
2. Lectin: Mannose Binding Lectin (MBL)
3. Alternative: Sponateous hydrolysis (of C3) or pathogenic surfaces

Question 2

What do all activation pathways of complement accomplish?

Answer 2

Making C3 convertase and C5 convertase

Question 3

What antibodies function to initiate complement in the classical pathway?

Answer 3

IgG and IgM

Question 4

True or False:

Classical pathway is considered part of the innate immune response.

Answer 4

False; The classical pathway is initiated by an antibody/antigen complex. We only get antibodies after a primary response.

Question 5

What is the first protein in the classical pathway?

Answer 5

C1q

Question 6

Outline the entire classical pathway. Discuss it in detail.

Answer 6

Refer to ppt or drawings