C3c Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
The complement system consists of over 30 proteins that circulate in the blood and tissue fluids. These proteins are primarily produced by the liver and are involved in a cascade of reactions that enhance the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens from an organism. The system can be activated through three pathways: the classical pathway, the lectin pathway, and the alternative pathway .
Complement Component 3 is central to the activation of the complement system. It is the most abundant complement protein in the blood and is essential for the activation of all three pathways. Upon activation, C3 is cleaved into two fragments: C3a and C3b. C3a acts as an anaphylatoxin, which means it can induce inflammation by stimulating mast cells and basophils to release histamine. C3b, on the other hand, binds to the surface of pathogens, marking them for destruction by phagocytes .
Complement Component C3c is formed when C3b is further cleaved by factor I, a regulatory protein. This cleavage results in the formation of C3c and C3dg. C3c is a significant fragment because it retains the ability to bind to receptors on phagocytic cells, thus facilitating the clearance of immune complexes and apoptotic cells .
The primary function of C3c is to aid in the opsonization and clearance of pathogens and immune complexes. It plays a vital role in the immune response by enhancing phagocytosis. Additionally, the levels of C3c in the blood can be used as a biomarker for various diseases. For instance, decreased levels of C3c are often observed in patients with autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis. Conversely, elevated levels may indicate acute inflammation or infection .
The measurement of C3c levels in the blood is commonly used in clinical diagnostics to assess the activity of the complement system. It is particularly useful in diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune diseases. Research on C3c also provides insights into the mechanisms of immune regulation and the development of therapeutic interventions for immune-related disorders .
