In: Biology
1. compare and contrast the classic and alternative
pathway of complement activation. which pathway is most directly
tied in with the immune response?
2. How is a person's susceptibility to infection altered by
complement deficiencies?
Ques num-1
Classical pathway | Alternative pathway | |
Type of immunity | Acquired (Specifc) | Innate(non-specific) |
Initiation | Antigen- Antibody complex | microbial components (e.g. endotoxin) |
Role of antibodies |
Needed for initiatiom (activation of C1) |
no role |
Role of properdin | no role | Needed for activaation of C3 |
C3 convertase | C4b2b | C3bBb |
C5 convertase | C4b2b3b | C3bBb3b |
Involved components | C1-C9 |
Factor B, Factor D, properdin, C3,5-9 |
MAC(C5b6789) | formed | formed |
*The classical complement pathway typically requires antigen- antibody complexes(immune complexes) for activation (for specific immune response), whereas the alternative pathway can be activated by C3 hydrolysis, foreign material, pathogens or damaged cells
*The classical complement pathway is initiated by antigen- antibody complexes with the antibody isotype IgG and IgM.
Ques Num 2:
The mechanism of complement deficiency consists of: C2: In regard to C2 deficiency, about 5 different mutations in the C2 gene are responsible. In turn, immune function decrease and infection oppurtunities increase, therefore, no C2 protein which can help make C3- convertase is produced