Complement c4
Complement C4
Complement C4 (pronounced: /ˈkɒmplɪmɛnt siː fɔːr/) is a protein that is a part of the complement system, a part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism, promote inflammation, and attack the pathogen's cell membrane.
Etymology
The term "Complement" comes from the concept that these proteins complement the action of antibodies in destroying bacteria. The "C4" is a designation of its order in the cascade sequence of the complement system.
Function
Complement C4 plays a central role in the activation of the complement system. Its main function is to bind to and transport the C3-convertase enzyme, which triggers a series of reactions leading to opsonization, chemotaxis, and cell lysis.
Related Terms
- Complement system: The system of proteins that Complement C4 is a part of.
- C3-convertase: The enzyme that Complement C4 binds to and transports.
- Opsonization: The process that Complement C4 helps initiate, marking pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.
- Chemotaxis: The movement of cells in response to chemical stimuli, which is promoted by the actions of Complement C4.
- Cell lysis: The disintegration of a cell, which can be caused by the actions of Complement C4.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Complement c4
- Wikipedia's article - Complement c4
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