INTRODUCTION TO THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM  Chemotaxis: The Complement System guides immune cells to the

infection site by releasing chemotactic factors, such as C5a.

 The Complement System is a complex network of proteins that plays a  Opsonization: The Complement System marks pathogens for destruction
crucial role in the body's defense against infections. It is a part of the by phagocytes by depositing C3b fragments on their surface.
innate immune system, which provides immediate protection against  Immune complex removal: The Complement System helps to clear
pathogens, and also works in conjunction with the adaptive immune immune complexes (antibody-antigen clumps) from circulation, which can
system to enhance the body's response to infections. cause tissue damage and autoimmune diseases.
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM MECHANISMS OF IGG AND IGM BINDING
 The Complement System consists of several proteins, labeled C1 to C9,  IgG and IgM are antibodies that play a crucial role in the activation of the
as well as other factors such as C3 convertase and C5 convertase. These Classical Pathway. They bind to pathogens and recruit the C1 complex,
proteins work together to activate the Complement System and eliminate which activates the C4 and C2 components, leading to the formation of C3
pathogens. convertase.
ACTIVATION PATHWAYS OF THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM COMPARISON OF ACTIVATION MECHANISMS IN INNATE AND ADAPTIVE
IMMUNITY
There are three main activation pathways of the Complement System:
 The Complement System is an important part of both innate and
1. Classical Pathway: This pathway is activated by the binding of antibodies
adaptive immunity. In innate immunity, the Complement System is
(such as IgG and IgM) to pathogens. The bound antibodies recruit the C1
activated by microbial surface molecules, while in adaptive immunity,
complex, which activates the C4 and C2 components, leading to the
it is activated by antibodies.
formation of C3 convertase.
2. Alternative Pathway: This pathway is activated by the presence of DIFFERENTIATION BETWEEN GRAM-POSITIVE AND GRAM-NEGATIVE
certain microbial surface molecules, such as lipopolysaccharides and BACTERIAL INTERACTION WITH THE MAC
teichoic acids. The C3 component is directly activated, leading to the
formation of C3 convertase.  Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have different cell wall
3. Lectin Pathway: This pathway is activated by the binding of lectins, such structures, which affect their interaction with the MAC. Gram-positive
as mannose-binding lectin, to carbohydrates on the surface of pathogens. bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, which makes it difficult for the
The bound lectins recruit the C1 complex, which activates the C4 and C2 MAC to insert into their membrane. In contrast, Gram-negative bacteria
components, leading to the formation of C3 convertase. have a thinner peptidoglycan layer and an outer lipopolysaccharide
layer, which makes it easier for the MAC to insert into their membrane.
MEMBRANE ATTACK COMPLEX (MAC)
PATHOGENIC MECHANISMS THAT CAN INHIBIT MAC FORMATION
 The membrane attack complex (mac) is a structure formed by the
assembly of C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9 components. The MAC inserts into  Some pathogens have developed mechanisms to inhibit MAC formation,
the membrane of pathogens, creating pores that lead to cell lysis and such as proteases that cleave C3 and C5 components, or
death. lipopolysaccharides that bind to C5 and prevent its activation.
FUNCTIONS OF THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM
The Complement System has several functions, including:
 Inflammatory response: The Complement System helps to attract KEY WORDS
immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, to the site of
infection.
1. MAC- Membrane attack complex
2. RID- Radial Immunodiffusion
3. DAT- Direct agglutination test
4. IAT- Indirect agglutination test
5. HTR- Hemolytic transfusion reaction
6. DIHA- Drug-Induced hemolytic Anemia
7. RIA- Radioimmunoassay
8. AHG- Anti-human globulin
9. IRMA- Immunoradiometric
10. RIST- Radioimmunosorbent test
11. RAST- Radioallergosorbent test
12. DOH- Department of health
13. EIA- Enzyme immunoassay
14. FPIA- Fluorescence polarization immunoassay
15. PACIA- Particle counting immunoassay
16. VDRL- Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
17. RPR- Rapid Plasma Reagin
18. TPI- Treponema Pallidum Immobilization
19. FTA-ABS- Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody Absorption Test
20. ELISA- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
21. HIV- Human Immunodeficiency Virus
22. CRP- C-reactive protein