COMPLEMENT PROTEIN Meaning and
Definition
-
Complement proteins are a group of blood proteins that play a crucial role in the immune system's defense against infections and various disease-causing microorganisms. They are part of the body's innate immune response, which acts rapidly to target and eliminate foreign invaders. Complement proteins are primarily synthesized in the liver and circulate in the bloodstream as inactive precursor molecules.
When an infection or inflammation occurs, complement proteins are activated through a cascade of enzymatic reactions. This activation leads to the formation of membrane attack complexes (MACs) that can directly damage and lyse invading pathogens. Complement proteins also opsonize pathogens, marking them for recognition and destruction by immune cells such as macrophages.
Furthermore, complement proteins facilitate the recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection, enhance the clearance of cellular debris, and modulate the inflammatory response. Additionally, they contribute to the regulation of the immune system, ensuring a balanced response to infections.
The complement system consists of over 30 complement proteins, many of which function in a coordinated manner to achieve a complete immune response. Some well-known complement proteins include C1q, C3, C4, C5, and C9. Deficiencies or abnormalities in complement proteins can lead to immunodeficiency disorders and an increased susceptibility to infections.
Overall, complement proteins are crucial components of the innate immune system that aid in the recognition, destruction, and clearance of pathogens, ultimately helping to maintain the body's overall health and immune defense.
Common Misspellings for COMPLEMENT PROTEIN
- xomplement protein
- vomplement protein
- fomplement protein
- domplement protein
- cimplement protein
- ckmplement protein
- clmplement protein
- cpmplement protein
- c0mplement protein
- c9mplement protein
- conplement protein
- cokplement protein
- cojplement protein
- comolement protein
- comllement protein
- com-lement protein
- com0lement protein
- compkement protein
- comppement protein
- compoement protein
Etymology of COMPLEMENT PROTEIN
The word "complement protein" derives from the Latin word "complementum", which means "something that completes or fills up". The term was first coined in the late 19th century by researchers studying the immune system. Complement proteins were initially identified as proteins that "complemented" the action of antibodies in the process of immune response, hence the name "complement proteins". These proteins were found to work together with antibodies to enhance their ability to fight against pathogens. Over time, the term "complement protein" became universally used to describe a group of proteins involved in the immune system's complement system.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
