Activated when complement protein C1q binds to a pathogen,
or onto an antigen-antibody complex. This will trigger cleav-
age of the subsequent complement proteins in the cascade,
resulting in production of C3 convertase and its downstream
effects. Its involvement in antigen-antibody complexes means
it has a role in both the adaptive and innate immune response.
2. Mannose-binding lectin MBL pathway
MBL is a protein produced in the liver. Its function is to detect
carbohydrate-containing mannose on the surface of patho-
gens, activating a protease called MASP. This pattern cleaves
complement components, which activates a cascade that re-
sults in producing C3 convertase.
3. Alternative pathway
Usually activated by bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide
present on the outer membrane of gram negative bacteria).
This results in the spontaneous hydrolysis of C3 into small
amounts of factor C3b (opsonises pathogens), which com-
bines with other factors to produce C3 convertase.
• Innate cell activation via antibody-receptor mediation (Fc-FcR)
- Enhanced phagocytosis
- Activation of granulocytes and NK-cells
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