Complement System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the suffix given to the smaller fragment when a complement component is cleaved?

  • a (correct)
  • d
  • e
  • c

Which of the following complement pathways involves the formation of C3 convertase?

  • Classical pathway
  • Lectin pathway
  • Alternative pathway
  • All of the above (correct)

What biological function is primarily associated with the protein C5a?

  • Enhancement of antibody production
  • Opsonization of pathogens
  • Chemotaxis (correct)
  • Cell lysis

Which component is key for the opsonization of pathogens?

<p>C3b (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the complement system, which component is usually the largest fragment generated upon cleavage?

<p>C5b (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pathway of complement activation is specifically triggered by antigen-antibody complexes?

<p>Classical pathway (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What initiates the alternative pathway of complement activation?

<p>Bacterial polysaccharides (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following proteins is involved in the lectin binding pathway of complement activation?

<p>Mannose binding lectin (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the complement system serve in relation to the immune system?

<p>Assists other immune components (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which immunoglobulin types can activate the classical pathway of complement?

<p>IgG and IgM (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the Complement system?

About 30 proteins found in blood that help fight infections.

How does the Classical Pathway work?

The classical pathway is triggered by antibodies bound to antigens.

How does the Alternative Pathway work?

The alternative pathway is activated by components of microbial surfaces.

What triggers the Lectin Pathway?

The lectin pathway is activated when a protein called mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binds to certain sugars present on pathogens.

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What happens during Complement activation?

These pathways lead to a cascade of events that ultimately destroy pathogens.

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What is the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)?

The Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) is a complex of proteins that forms on the surface of microbial cells during complement activation. It inserts itself into the cell membrane, causing the cell to lyse (burst).

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What is C3 convertase?

C3 convertase is a crucial enzyme formed during complement activation. It's responsible for cleaving a key protein called C3, which is common to all three complement pathways.

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What is Opsonization?

Opsonization is a process where complement proteins, particularly C3b, bind to the surface of microbes. This makes them more attractive to phagocytes, which are white blood cells that engulf and destroy microbes.

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Study Notes

Complement System

  • Consists of ~30 proteins in human serum
  • Complements or assists other immune components
  • Three pathways for activation: classical, alternative, lectin

Classical Pathway

  • Activated by antigen-antibody complexes
  • Requires IgG or IgM antibodies
  • Specific antibody to antigen is required

Alternative Pathway

  • Activated by microbial cell surface substances
  • Bacterial polysaccharides, lipopolysaccharides
  • Part of innate immunity

Lectin Pathway

  • Activated when mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binds to carbohydrates on pathogens
  • Part of innate immunity

Complement Activation Mechanisms

  • Sequential proteolytic cleavage of complement proteins
  • Creates effector molecules for eliminating microbes
  • Activated complements become attached to microbial surfaces

Complement System Functions

  • Cell lysis: Membrane attack complex (MAC) insertion into cell membranes, leading to cell lysis
  • Opsonization: C3b binds to microbes, increasing phagocytosis
  • Inflammation: C3a, C4a, and C5a trigger chemotaxis (attracting phagocytes) and mast cell degranulation
  • Antibody production enhancement: C3b derivatives enhance B-lymphocyte antibody production

Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC)

  • Collection of highly polymorphic genes on chromosome 6
  • Two major classes: I and II
  • Also called Human Leucocytic Antigens (HLA)

MHC Class I

  • Glycoproteins expressed on all nucleated cells
  • Presents antigen to cytotoxic T cells (CD8)
  • MHC restriction is required for recognition

MHC Class II

  • Glycoproteins expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs)
  • Presents antigen to helper T cells (CD4)
  • MHC restriction necessary for recognition

MHC Importance

  • Organ transplantation: Compatibility between donor and recipient MHC genes is crucial
  • Disease association: Specific MHC antigens are associated with certain diseases

Cytokines

  • Glycoproteins involved in cell signaling during immune responses
  • Mode of action: secreted by cells, bind to receptors, trigger intracellular signaling
  • Classifications: interleukins (ILs), colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), interferons (IFNs), chemokines

Cytokine Functions

  • Proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α): Effects include fever, leukocyte production, acute phase protein production, septic shock
  • Interferons (IFNs): Antiviral activity, immunomodulatory effects
  • Chemokines: Direct immune cell migration to inflamed area

Clinical Uses of Cytokines

  • Antiviral (e.g., treatment of viral hepatitis)
  • Antitumor
  • Anti-autoimmune (e.g., Crohn's disease treatment)
  • Boosting leukocytes (preventing infections after cancer treatment)

Side Effects of Cytokines

  • Systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, malaise)
  • Cytokine storm (overproduction of inflammatory cytokines)

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