The three major complement activation pathways: The classical and the lectin pathway utilize C2 and C4 to generate the C3- and later C5-convertase. The alternative pathway uses C3 plus variou co-factors to generate an alternative C3- and C5-convertase. Activattion products of the complement system such as C3a, C5a and the terminal membrane attack complex exert numerous potentially harmful effects on the
human immune system. The complement system is controlled by many co-factors and inhibitors.

navigate back