![]() Agglutination – causes clustering and binding of pathogensĪll three pathways converge at the point at which C3 convertase is activated.Cell lysis – ruptures membranes due to formation of a membrane attack complex.Chemotaxis – attracts macrophages and neutrophils via inflammation by inflammatory mediators C5a, and to a lesser extent C3a and C4a.Opsonization – increases phagocytosis by opsonins (C4b and C3b) binding to foreign organisms.What are the main functions of the complement system? There are three biochemical pathways that lead to the activation of the complement system, they require different molecules for initiation but ultimately lead to activation of the same effector molecules: When the complement system is triggered a proteolysis based activation cascade proceeds causing an increased local immune responses and formation of a membrane attack complexes. ![]() Then inactive state of the protease elements is maintained by the presence of several inhibitors. It is composed of at least 30 proteins, mostly synthesised in the liver, which typically circulate as inactive precursors. The complement system is an ancient part of the innate immune system that acts as the first line of defence in the fight against infection. PDF version What is the complement system?
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