Neoantigens of the membrane attack complex of human complement.

Monoclonal antibodies against neoantigens of the terminal C5b-9 complex of human complement.

Assembly of the terminal C5b-C9 complement components into the cytolytic C5b-9 complex is accompanied by exposure of characteristic neoantigens on the macromolecule. We report the production and characterization of mouse monoclonal antibodies to C9-dependent neoantigens of human C5b-9. Binding-inhibition assays with EDTA-human plasma and micro-ELISA assays with purified C9 showed that the antib...

Molecular organization of C9 within the membrane attack complex of complement. Induction of circular C9 polymerization by the C5b-8 assembly

Evidence has been presented suggesting that during assembly of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement, the C5b-8 complex induces polymerization of C9. The C9 polymer was detected by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) gel electrophoresis of MAC isolated from complement-lysed erythrocytes. It resembled the previously described polymerized C9 (poly C9) produced from isolated monomeric C9 by pro...

P183: Key Function of Complement System in Interactions between Pain and Nociceptors, C5a, and C3a

A part of the immune system that improves (complements) the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microorganisms and injured cells from an organism, attacks the pathogen's cell membrane, and encourages inflammation called complement system. It is main part of immune system. Over thirty proteins and protein pieces compose the complement system, including cell membrane receptors, an...

Targeting the Human Complement Membrane Attack Complex to Selectively Kill Prostate Cancer Cells

Structural Basis for Recognition of the Pore-Forming Toxin Intermedilysin by Human Complement Receptor CD59

Pore-forming proteins containing the structurally conserved membrane attack complex/perforin fold play an important role in immunity and host-pathogen interactions. Intermedilysin (ILY) is an archetypal member of a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin subclass that hijacks the complement receptor CD59 to make cytotoxic pores in human cells. ILY directly competes for the membrane attack complex bindi...