Role of the Classical Complement Pathway in Immune Response Against Pathogens

The classical complement pathway is activated when

C1 binds to the antibody in an antigen-antibody complex

The classical complement pathway is activated when certain antibodies, mainly IgM or IgG, bind to specific antigens on the surface of pathogenic microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, viruses, fungi) or other foreign particles (e.g. toxins). This binding, which is part of the specific immune response, triggers a series of enzymatic reactions involving C1 complex consisting of C1q, C1r, and C1s proteins. C1q binds to the antibody-antigen complex and activates C1r, which cleaves C1s into its active form. Activated C1s then cleaves other complement proteins, starting with C4 and C2, to form the C3 convertase enzyme. C3 convertase cleaves C3 into its active fragments – C3a and C3b. C3b can then bind to the surface of the pathogen or foreign particle, marking it for destruction by various mechanisms including phagocytosis and formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). The classical complement pathway is one of three main pathways that lead to complement activation and is particularly important for clearance of infections caused by extracellular pathogens.

More Answers:

Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) and Its Role in Target Cell Death
C3b: A Crucial Player in the Complement System for Immune Defense and Pathogen Clearance
C3a and C3b Fragments: The Vital Components of the Complement System for Pathogen Elimination and Inflammation.

Error 403 The request cannot be completed because you have exceeded your quota. : quotaExceeded

Share:

Recent Posts

Mathematics in Cancer Treatment

How Mathematics is Transforming Cancer Treatment Mathematics plays an increasingly vital role in the fight against cancer mesothelioma. From optimizing drug delivery systems to personalizing

Read More »