10. Measurement of C3 Fragment Deposition on Cells
By: O. Brad Spiller2
| Abstract |
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Measurement of complement-mediated cytolysis, described in Chapter 5, is the index most frequently used for assessing aspects
of complement activation or regulation. However, other consequences of complement activation are probably of more relevance
in vivo. Complement plays a major role in enhancing the generation of specific antibodies and provides an interface between
the humoral and cellular immune responses (1–4). Complement also increases the binding of phagocytes to target cells by opsonizing the complement activating surface and
generates chemoattractants and anaphylatoxins to recruit nearby phagocytes (5,6). Through these mechanisms, complement not only provides a first line defence against invading pathogens but also acts as
the glue that holds the major components of the immune system together. These opsonic, chemoattractant, and anaphylactic activities
are largely properties of C3 (and C5) activation fragments. Furthermore, large amounts of C3 fragments can be deposited on
the surface of cells without causing significant amounts of lysis. Measurement of C3-deposition is therefore a more sensitive
and probably more relevant indicator of complement activation than measurement of cytolysis.
Affiliation(s): (2) Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
Book Title: Complement Methods and Protocols
Series: Methods in Molecular Biology | Volume: 150 | Pub. Date: Mar-30-2000 | Page Range: 131-137 | DOI: 10.1385/1-59259-056-X:131
Subject: Immunology
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