
The complement system is a complex biochemical cascade of the immune system, leading to cytolysis, chemotaxis, opsonization, and inflammation, it can mark pathogens for phagocytosis. It consists of more than 35 proteins. 12 which are directly involved in the complement pathways, while the rest have regulatory functions.
An opsonin is any molecule that acts as a binding enhancer for the process of phagocytosis. During the process of opsonization , antigens are bound by antibody and/or complement molecules.
Antibodies(Part 1) |
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| Constant region |
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| The constant region is composed from two heavy chains that each contribute two to three constant domains (depending on the class of the antibody). It binds to various cell receptors and complement proteins initiating the complement system. In this way, it mediates different physiological effects of antibodies (opsonization, cell lysis, mast cell, basophil and eosinophil degranulation and other processes). |
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Copyright © 2005 Mariya Pachman, Kristina Wittstrom |
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