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Complement and Bacteria: Chemistry and Biology in Host Defense

Complement and Bacteria: Chemistry and Biology in Host Defense The last several years have seen an enormous expansion in our understanding of the details of complement biochemistry and in our appreciation of the role of complement proteins in biologic phenomena. In this review we explore one important aspect of complement function-the role of complement in host defense against bacterial infection. We examine the mechanisms that govern the interaction of complement with bacteria, the role of complement as one of the principal heat-labile opsonin systems in serum, and the events that govern the ability of complement proteins to attack the bacterial cell wall and to lyse the microorganism. We attempt to acquaint the reader with the major recent developments in complement action and biology, assuming a fairly detailed knowledge of complement biochemistry and protein structure. THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM The complement system is comprised of a series of glycoproteins that circulate in the extracellular fluid compartment (1,2,3). These molecules interact in a precise sequence of reactions leading to the production of biologically active cleavage fragments capable of interacting with microorganisms and cells, pro­ moting opsonization on the one hand and direct cell damage on the other. Two major pathways of complement activation are recognized. The classical path­ way (CP http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Annual Review of Immunology Annual Reviews

Complement and Bacteria: Chemistry and Biology in Host Defense

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References (54)

Publisher
Annual Reviews
Copyright
Copyright 1984 Annual Reviews. All rights reserved
Subject
Review Articles
ISSN
0732-0582
eISSN
1545-3278
DOI
10.1146/annurev.iy.02.040184.002333
pmid
6399850
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The last several years have seen an enormous expansion in our understanding of the details of complement biochemistry and in our appreciation of the role of complement proteins in biologic phenomena. In this review we explore one important aspect of complement function-the role of complement in host defense against bacterial infection. We examine the mechanisms that govern the interaction of complement with bacteria, the role of complement as one of the principal heat-labile opsonin systems in serum, and the events that govern the ability of complement proteins to attack the bacterial cell wall and to lyse the microorganism. We attempt to acquaint the reader with the major recent developments in complement action and biology, assuming a fairly detailed knowledge of complement biochemistry and protein structure. THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM The complement system is comprised of a series of glycoproteins that circulate in the extracellular fluid compartment (1,2,3). These molecules interact in a precise sequence of reactions leading to the production of biologically active cleavage fragments capable of interacting with microorganisms and cells, pro­ moting opsonization on the one hand and direct cell damage on the other. Two major pathways of complement activation are recognized. The classical path­ way (CP

Journal

Annual Review of Immunology – Annual Reviews

Published: Apr 1, 1984

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