A group of proteins that play an important role in the immune response
system of proteins that produce molecules to initiation the destruction of a foreign antigen
a group of at least twenty proteins found in serum and forming a component of nonspecific resistance and immunity by bringing about cytolysis, inflammation, and opsonization
blood proteins that work with antibodies to destroy antigens
a set of molecules in the blood, which bind to immune complexes. It helps to prepare microbes for phagocytosis and release small fragments, which induce inflammation. It can also cause lysis of some bacteria and cells.
A group of proteins in normal blood serum and plasma that, in combination with antibodies, causes the destruction of antigens, particularly bacteria and foreign blood cells.
Series of enzymes in normal blood that interacts with antigens and antibodies.
System of serum proteins activated by antibody-antigen complexes or by microorganisms. Helps eliminate pathogenic microorganisms by directly causing their lysis or by promoting their phagocytosis.
Distinct serum proteins participating in immune cytolysis.
A plasma protein system involved in immune defense. Following activation by antigen-antibody complexes, complement proteins lyse antigenic cells, attract phagocytic cells, and assist in the destruction of antigenic cells by phagocytosis.
A set of blood proteins that attack microbial invaders
an enzyme 'system' in the blood. An enzyme is a substance which speeds up a biological reaction (acts as a catalyst). Complement is a 'cascading enzyme system'. This means that a number of different enzymes are created or triggered one after another. This then allows a number of reactions to take place. The complement system consists of at least 19 separate proteins and plays an important part in the body's immune system. It allows foreign particles or micro-organisms to be made harmless, but also generates inflammation. The blood can be tested to find how much of each of the major elements of complement is present.
A system of 11 plasma proteins that interact in a chain-reaction after exposure to activated antibodies or the surfaces of certain pathogens; complement proteins promote cell lysis, phagocytosis, and other defense mechanisms.
A complicated system of proteins in normal blood serum and plasma that in combination with antibodies causes the destruction especially of particulate antigens (as bacteria and foreign blood corpuscles)
protein system that recognizes and kills microorganisms.
one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response
an immune agent that is actually a combination of protein enzymes that circulate in the blood and act as catalysts in antibody reactions
A substance in serum that combines with antigen antibody compound. Symbol C'.
A system is made up of a network of proteins that involve the immune system and inflammation. Decreased levels of various components of complement—C3, C4 or CH50—can be found in people with lupus and certain other autoimmune conditions.
A system of serum and cell surface proteins that interact with one another and with other molecules of the immune system to generate important effectors of innate and adaptive immune responses. The classical and alternative pathways of the complement system are activated by antigen-antibody complexes or microbial surfaces, respectively, and consist of a cascade of proteolytic enzymes that generate inflammatory mediators and opsonins. Both pathways lead to the formation of a common cell lytic complex that is inserted in cell membranes (1).
A term originally used to refer to the heat labile factor in serum that causes immune cytolysis, the lysis of antibody coated cells and now referring to the entire functionally related system comprising at least 20 distinct serum proteins that is the effector not only of immune cytolysis but also of other biologic functions.
System of plasma enzymes which facilitates the acute inflammatory process.
innate immune first responder. Thirty different proteins, receptors and inhibitors. Third most common group of proteins in blood. Highly associated with immune response to acute exposures. Chronic elevation of alternative pathway increases C3a; a major factor in chronic health symptoms
proteins in the blood that play a part in immune defense against invading organisms. Complement proteins, in conjunction with an antibody-antigen complex, initiate a sequence of events -- the complement cascade -- that results in the destruction of the membrane of the organism or cell under attack.
The collective name for a group of proteins found in blood that is involved in killing foreign cells through cell lysis or opsonization and recruiting immune cells to sites of inflammation as well as contributing to the inflammatory process itself.
a system of blood proteins which can be activated by the immune system; involved in control of inflammation and activation of phagocytes.
a complex series of blood proteins that act in a definite sequence to effect the destruction of bacteria, viruses and fungi.
blood proteins that play an important role in the immune response. Generally, complement proteins amplify the effects of antibodies and inflammation.
A complex series of blood proteins whose action "complements" the work of antibodies. Complement destroys bacteria, produces inflammation, and regulates immune reactions.
a component of blood serum that is important for antibody-antigen reaction which is the basis of many immunity processes
Refers to proteins which are very important in cellular function and immunity. They are involved in the inflammatory process. Specifically, reductions of C3 and C4 complements are often associated with active systemic lupus erythematosus. Some patients may have inherited deficiencies of one of the components of complement which may predispose them to disease states.
Complement is a group of proteins found in the body. They are activated when the body is fighting perceived ‘invaders' and play an important role in inflammation.
A series of serum proteins involved in the mediation of immune reactions. The complement cascade is triggered classically by the interaction of antibody with specific antigen.
A large group of proteins activated in sequence when cells are exposed to a foreign substance. Once activated, they form the membrane attack complex, resulting in the death of cells.
A group of proteins in the blood that influence the inflammatory process and serve as the primary mediator in the antigen-antibody reactions of the B cell mediated immune response. Complement is activated whenever tissue injury occurs.
A system of serum proteins that work to help antibodies destroy antigens.
a complex series of enzymatic proteins found in normal serum that combine with antigen-antibody complex and produce injury as part of anaphylactoid reactions.
the system comprising 9 proteins which, acting in succession, lead to the lysis of the membrane cell. It may be activated normally (by mediated antibodies) or, in dialysis, by alternative pathway.
A group of more than 30 proteins that act together to enhance the actions of other immune defense mechanisms of the body.
a system of protein molecules produced by the immune system which kills antibody-tagged foreign cells by making holes in their cell membranes.
An antibacterial protein found in milk that inhibits bacterial growth.
A series of at least 10 serum proteins in humans (and other vertebrates) that can be activated by either the 'classical' or the 'alternative' pathways and which interact in sequence to bring about the destruction of cellular antigens.
A large body of blood proteins (over 20), initiated in the liver, and intimately involved in nearly all aspects of immunity and nonspecific resistance. They form two types of self-mediated cascade reactions to antigens, antibody-antigen complexes, dead tissue and the like, and are almost solely able to initiate the rupture and killing of bacteria. The protein strings they form around foreign substances are the main "hooks" used for absorption by macrophages as they digest and clean up.
A group of proteins in the blood that supplements the action of antibodies by enhancing phagocytosis, destroying the membranes of invading cells, and promoting inflammation.
A group of serum proteins that destroy sensitized cells or bacteria.
A group of serum proteins involved in the control of inflammation, the activation of phagocytes and the lytic attack on cell membranes. The system can be activated by interaction with the antibodies of the immune system (classical pathway).