C4b-binding protein: Difference between revisions

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= C4b-binding protein =
{{DISPLAYTITLE:C4b-binding protein}}


'''C4b-binding protein''' (C4BP) is a crucial component of the [[complement system]], which is part of the [[immune system]] that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism. C4BP is primarily involved in the regulation of the [[classical pathway]] and the [[lectin pathway]] of complement activation.
== C4b-binding protein ==
[[File:C4bp.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Structure of C4b-binding protein]]
C4b-binding protein (C4BP) is a [[plasma protein]] that plays a crucial role in the [[complement system]], which is part of the [[immune system]]. It is primarily involved in the regulation of the [[classical pathway]] of complement activation.


== Structure ==
== Structure ==
C4BP is a large, multimeric glycoprotein composed of several identical subunits. The most common form of C4BP is composed of seven α-chains and one β-chain, although other isoforms exist. Each α-chain contains multiple [[complement control protein]] (CCP) domains, which are also known as short consensus repeats (SCRs). These domains are crucial for the protein's ability to bind to its targets and exert its regulatory functions.
C4BP is a large, multimeric protein composed of several identical subunits. Each subunit contains multiple [[complement control protein]] (CCP) domains, which are also known as short consensus repeats (SCRs). These domains are responsible for the protein's ability to bind to its targets, such as [[C4b]] and [[heparin]].


== Function ==
== Function ==
C4BP primarily functions as a regulatory protein that inhibits the complement cascade. It achieves this by binding to the activated form of complement component 4, known as C4b. By binding to C4b, C4BP prevents the formation of the C3 convertase enzyme complex, which is essential for the propagation of the complement cascade. This action helps to prevent excessive inflammation and tissue damage that can result from uncontrolled complement activation.
C4BP functions as a regulatory protein in the complement system. Its main role is to bind to the activated form of C4, known as C4b, thereby preventing the formation of the C3 convertase enzyme complex. This action inhibits the further progression of the complement cascade, thus protecting host cells from damage.


Additionally, C4BP can bind to [[protein S]], a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein that plays a role in the regulation of blood coagulation. This interaction is important for the anticoagulant properties of protein S.
C4BP also acts as a cofactor for the [[serine protease]] [[factor I]], which cleaves and inactivates C4b. This further contributes to the regulation of the complement system and helps maintain immune homeostasis.


== Clinical Significance ==
== Clinical significance ==
Dysregulation of C4BP can lead to various pathological conditions. For instance, deficiencies or functional abnormalities in C4BP can result in increased susceptibility to infections due to inadequate regulation of the complement system. Conversely, overactivity of C4BP can contribute to autoimmune diseases by preventing the clearance of immune complexes and apoptotic cells.
Alterations in the levels or function of C4BP can lead to various [[immune disorders]]. For example, deficiencies in C4BP can result in increased susceptibility to infections due to uncontrolled complement activation. Conversely, elevated levels of C4BP have been associated with certain [[autoimmune diseases]], where excessive complement inhibition may contribute to disease pathology.


C4BP levels can also be altered in certain diseases. For example, elevated levels of C4BP have been observed in patients with [[systemic lupus erythematosus]] (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease.
== Related pages ==
 
== Research and Therapeutic Potential ==
Research into C4BP is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in disease and potential as a therapeutic target. Modulating C4BP activity could offer new avenues for treating diseases characterized by complement dysregulation, such as [[age-related macular degeneration]] and certain types of [[glomerulonephritis]].
 
== See Also ==
* [[Complement system]]
* [[Complement system]]
* [[Classical pathway]]
* [[Immune system]]
* [[Lectin pathway]]
* [[C4b]]
* [[Protein S]]
* [[Factor I]]
 
* [[Autoimmune disease]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
 
== External Links ==
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/722 C4BP Gene - NCBI]
* [https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P04003 C4BP - UniProt]


[[Category:Complement system]]
[[Category:Complement system]]
[[Category:Immune system]]
[[Category:Immune system]]
[[Category:Proteins]]

Latest revision as of 03:59, 13 February 2025


C4b-binding protein[edit]

Structure of C4b-binding protein

C4b-binding protein (C4BP) is a plasma protein that plays a crucial role in the complement system, which is part of the immune system. It is primarily involved in the regulation of the classical pathway of complement activation.

Structure[edit]

C4BP is a large, multimeric protein composed of several identical subunits. Each subunit contains multiple complement control protein (CCP) domains, which are also known as short consensus repeats (SCRs). These domains are responsible for the protein's ability to bind to its targets, such as C4b and heparin.

Function[edit]

C4BP functions as a regulatory protein in the complement system. Its main role is to bind to the activated form of C4, known as C4b, thereby preventing the formation of the C3 convertase enzyme complex. This action inhibits the further progression of the complement cascade, thus protecting host cells from damage.

C4BP also acts as a cofactor for the serine protease factor I, which cleaves and inactivates C4b. This further contributes to the regulation of the complement system and helps maintain immune homeostasis.

Clinical significance[edit]

Alterations in the levels or function of C4BP can lead to various immune disorders. For example, deficiencies in C4BP can result in increased susceptibility to infections due to uncontrolled complement activation. Conversely, elevated levels of C4BP have been associated with certain autoimmune diseases, where excessive complement inhibition may contribute to disease pathology.

Related pages[edit]