Properdin

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complement factor properdin
Identifiers
Symbol(s)	CFP PFC
Entrez	5199
OMIM	300383
RefSeq	NM_002621
UniProt	P27918
Other data
Locus	Chr. X p11.4

Properdin or factor P is a globulin protein found in the blood serum of humans. It is also found in the blood serum of some higher animals.

It is known that it participates in some specific immune responses. It plays a part in tissue inflammation as well as the engulfing of pathogens by phagocytes. In addition it is known to help to neutralize some viruses.

In the Complement system, an innate-immunity series of proenzymes dissolved in the circulation, it is also called "Factor P". As a component of the Alternative Pathway for complement activation (otherwise known as the "Properdin Pathway"), it complexes with another protein, C3b, to stabilize the alternative C3 convertase (C3bBb) that then cleaves more C3. The Properdin pathway is NOT dependant on antibodies (like the classical pathway is). This branch of the complement system is activated by IgA immune complexes and bacterial endotoxins, polysaccharides, and cell walls, and results in producing anaphylatoxins, opsonins, chemotactic factors, and the membrane attack complex, all of which help fight pathogens.

Properdin was discovered in 1954 by Dr. Louis Pillemer of the Institute of Pathology (now the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University).