The Complement System

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These flashcards cover the essential terms and definitions related to the Complement System as outlined in the lecture notes.

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17 Terms

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Complement System

A part of the innate immune response that helps to protect the host from infection through various pathways.

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Classical Pathway

A complement activation pathway that involves antibody binding to antigens on pathogens leading to complement activation.

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Alternative Pathway

A complement activation pathway that is initiated independently of antibodies, primarily involving spontaneous hydrolysis of C3.

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Lectin Pathway

A pathway that activates complement via mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binding to mannose residues on the pathogen surface.

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C3 Convertase

An enzyme active in the complement system that cleaves C3 into C3a and C3b, critical for opsonization and pathway amplification.

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Anaphylatoxins

Small complement fragments (C3a, C4a, C5a) that stimulate inflammation and attract immune cells.

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Opsonization

The process of marking pathogens with complement proteins like C3b to enhance their recognition and uptake by phagocytes.

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Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)

A structure formed by complement proteins C5b, C6, C7, C8, and C9 that leads to lysis of target cells by forming pores in their membranes.

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C1 Inhibitor (C1 INH)

A regulatory protein that inhibits the complement system, preventing excessive activation of the classical pathway.

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Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF)

A complement regulatory protein that disrupts the formation of C3 convertase, preventing the complement system from damaging host cells.

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Factor H

A regulatory protein that binds to C3b and prevents the formation of C5 convertase, playing a key role in complement regulation.

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CH50 Test

A functional assay used to measure the ability of a patient's serum to lyse 50% of a specific suspension of antibody-coated erythrocytes, indicating complement activity.

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C2 Deficiency

The most common complement deficiency associated with failure to clear immune complexes and increased risk of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.

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C3 Deficiency

A complement deficiency that severely impacts opsonization, leading to increased susceptibility to infections with encapsulated bacteria.

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Hereditary Angioneurotic Edema (HANE)

A condition caused by C1 INH deficiency, leading to increased bradykinin levels and episodes of swelling.

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Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PHN)

An acquired hemolytic disorder associated with DAF deficiency that results in increased vulnerability to complement-mediated hemolysis.

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Complement Regulatory Proteins

Proteins that control the activation of the complement system to prevent damage to host cells and unchecked inflammation.