C3 (complement)

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complement component 3
Identifiers
Symbol(s) C3
Entrez 718
OMIM 120700
RefSeq NM_000064
UniProt P01024
Other data
EC number 3.4.21.43
Locus Chr. 19 p13.3-13.2

In immunology, soluble C3-convertase, also known as iC3Bb, catalyzes the proteolytic cleavage of C3 into C3a and C3b as part of the alternative complement system. C3b may then bind to microbal cell surfaces within an organisms body. This can lead to the production of surface-bound C3 convertase and thus more C3b components. Also know as C3bBb, this convertase similar to soluble C3-convertase except that it is membrane bound. Alternatively, binded C3b may aid in opsonization of the microbe by macrophages. Complement receptor 1 or CR1 on macrophages allows the engaging of C3b covered microbes.

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Complement system - edit

Activators: C6 | C7 | C9 | MBL2 | PFC
Complexes: C1Q (C1QA, C1QB, C1QG) | C3-convertase | C8 (C8A, C8B, C8G) | MAC
Enzymes: BF | C1R | C1S | C2 | C3 | C4 | C5 | DF | MASP1 | MASP2
Inhibitors: C1inh | C4BP (C4BPA, C4BPB) | CLU | DAF | HF1 | IF | SERPING1 | VTN
Receptors: C3AR1 | C5R1 | CR1 | CR2 | ITGAM