Flashcards: Understanding the Complement System in Immunity — 10 cards

Complement system — overview?

Innate immunity component that enhances immune responses.

Activation pathways — types?

Classical, lectin, and alternative pathways.

Effector functions — main?

Lysis, opsonization, inflammation promotion.

Regulation mechanisms — purpose?

Prevent host tissue damage from overactivation.

Classical pathway — trigger?

Antigen-antibody complexes.

Lectin pathway — trigger?

Mannose-binding lectin binding to microbes.

Alternative pathway — trigger?

Spontaneous C3 hydrolysis on microbial surfaces.

Membrane attack complex — role?

Lyses target cell membranes.

C3b — function?

Opsonizes pathogens for phagocytosis.

C5a — role?

Recruits and activates immune cells, promotes inflammation.