complement system Flashcards
1
Q
what makes up the complement system?
A
- several plasma proteins which work together
2
Q
what is the function of the c.s.?
A
- opsonize microbes
- promote the recruitment of phagocytes to the site of infection
- directly kill the microbes
3
Q
What involves complement activation?
A
proteolytic cascades
4
Q
how is an active protease formed?
A
- by an inactive precursor enzyme (zymogen) which is altered
5
Q
How is the next proteolytic activity induced?
A
- by cleavage of an active protease
6
Q
what are the three pathways of complement system?
A
- classical pathway (induced by antibodies)
- alternative pathway (microbe)
- lectin pathway (mannose binding lectin)
7
Q
what are pentraxins?
A
proteins of pentraxin family → phylogenetically old group of plasma proteins that recognize microbial structures
8
Q
how strong are plasma concentrations of CRP in healthy individuals?
A
very low
9
Q
how is CRP synthesis increased?
A
by liver induced by cytokines IL-6 and IL-1
