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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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Complement System
A part of the innate immune response that helps to protect the host from infection through various pathways.
Classical Pathway
A complement activation pathway that involves antibody binding to antigens on pathogens leading to complement activation.
Alternative Pathway
A complement activation pathway that is initiated independently of antibodies, primarily involving spontaneous hydrolysis of C3.
Lectin Pathway
A pathway that activates complement via mannose-binding lectin (MBL) binding to mannose residues on the pathogen surface.
C3 Convertase
An enzyme active in the complement system that cleaves C3 into C3a and C3b, critical for opsonization and pathway amplification.
Anaphylatoxins
Small complement fragments (C3a, C4a, C5a) that stimulate inflammation and attract immune cells.
Opsonization
The process of marking pathogens with complement proteins like C3b to enhance their recognition and uptake by phagocytes.
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.
C1 Inhibitor (C1 INH)
A regulatory protein that inhibits the complement system, preventing excessive activation of the classical pathway.
Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF)
A complement regulatory protein that disrupts the formation of C3 convertase, preventing the complement system from damaging host cells.
Factor H
A regulatory protein that binds to C3b and prevents the formation of C5 convertase, playing a key role in complement regulation.
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.
C2 Deficiency
The most common complement deficiency associated with failure to clear immune complexes and increased risk of autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
C3 Deficiency
A complement deficiency that severely impacts opsonization, leading to increased susceptibility to infections with encapsulated bacteria.
Hereditary Angioneurotic Edema (HANE)
A condition caused by C1 INH deficiency, leading to increased bradykinin levels and episodes of swelling.
Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PHN)
An acquired hemolytic disorder associated with DAF deficiency that results in increased vulnerability to complement-mediated hemolysis.
Complement Regulatory Proteins
Proteins that control the activation of the complement system to prevent damage to host cells and unchecked inflammation.