Decay-accelerating factor

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF), also known as CD55 or Cromer blood group system, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CD55 gene. DAF regulates the complement system on the cell surface to prevent the assembly of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) on host cells.

Function

Decay-accelerating factor is involved in the regulation of the complement cascade. It protects cells from complement-mediated injury by inhibiting the C3 convertases, C4b2a and C3bBb, and by disrupting the function of these convertases.

Clinical significance

Deficiency of DAF can lead to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare, acquired, potentially life-threatening disease of the blood characterized by complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis.

Interactions

Decay-accelerating factor has been shown to interact with Complement component 3 and Complement component 4b.

See also

• Complement system
• Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
• Complement component 3
• Complement component 4b

References

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External links

• Decay-accelerating factor at WikiMD

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