Complement component 4
Complement component 4 (C4) is a protein involved in the intricate complement system, playing a crucial role in immune response and inflammation.
Pronunciation
The term is pronounced as /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/ /kəmˈpoʊnənt/ /fɔːr/
Etymology
The term "complement" in this context originates from the early 20th century, when it was discovered that heat-labile components of blood serum could "complement" the action of specific antibodies. The term "component 4" refers to its order of discovery in the complement system.
Function
Complement component 4 is a part of the classical pathway of the complement system. It is cleaved by activated C1s, another component of the classical pathway, into two fragments: C4a and C4b. C4b then binds to the surface of a pathogen and acts as an opsonin, marking the pathogen for destruction by phagocytes.
Related Terms
- Complement system: A part of the immune system that enhances the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear microbes and damaged cells from an organism.
- C1s: A protein involved in the classical pathway of the complement system. It cleaves C4 into C4a and C4b.
- Opsonin: Any molecule that enhances phagocytosis by marking an antigen for an immune response.
- Phagocytes: Cells that protect the body by ingesting harmful foreign particles, bacteria, and dead or dying cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Complement component 4
- Wikipedia's article - Complement component 4
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