Clinical Cuts: Complement system

The complement system doesn't generate compliments for you... but it does help destroy pathogens in your body! Learn all about it in today's #ClinicalCuts.

The complement system refers to a group of plasma proteins called the complement proteins, which are produced in the liver, and act collectively to help destroy pathogens. Think of them like a little militia that “complement” the work of antibodies.

There are actually three complement pathways:
• The classical pathway: called that because it was discovered first
• The alternative pathway: which was found second and is always at work
• The Lectin binding pathway: found third when folks got more descriptive with their naming

All three pathways start out a bit differently, but they end the same way with a membrane attack complex called the MAC. It is a protein complex that creates a hole in a bacterial cell membrane, effectively destroying mainly gram-negative bacteria.

Follow us on social:

Our Vision: Everyone who cares for someone will learn by Osmosis.

© 2024 Elsevier. All rights reserved.