The formation of the C3 convertase is a key step in complement activation that occurs in all three complement pathways. This enzyme cleaves C3 in blood plasma, leading to a conformational change in the C3b fragment that exposes its reactive thioester group. The activated C3b is potentially harmful to the host, if it becomes covalently attached to a host cell, rather than to the surface of a pathogen. This deleterious outcome is largely avoided by: The inability of active C3b to diffuse away in the blood plasma. The inability of active C3b to covalently attach to the membranes of eukaryotic cells. The rapid hydrolysis of active C3b in solution, rendering it inactive. The tight binding of active C3b to the C3 convertase. The ability of active C3b to recruit phagocytic cells.

The formation of the C3 convertase is a key step in complement activation that occurs in all three complement pathways. This enzyme cleaves C3 in blood plasma, leading to a conformational change in the C3b fragment that exposes its reactive thioester group. The activated C3b is potentially harmful to the host, if it becomes covalently attached to a host cell, rather than to the surface of a pathogen. This deleterious outcome is largely avoided by: The inability of active C3b to diffuse away in the blood plasma. The inability of active C3b to covalently attach to the membranes of eukaryotic cells. The rapid hydrolysis of active C3b in solution, rendering it inactive. The tight binding of active C3b to the C3 convertase. The ability of active C3b to recruit phagocytic cells.

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)

9th Edition

ISBN:9781285866932

Author:Lauralee Sherwood

Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood

Chapter12: Body Defenses

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 14RE

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Complement proteins function in defense by _______. a. neutralizing toxins b. enhancing resident bacteria c. promoting inflammation d. forming pores that cause pathogens to disintegrate e. both a and b f. both c and d
Mannose binding lectins (MBL) and ficolins are the two classes of proteins that can initiate the lectin pathway of complement activation. These proteins are selective for activating complement on the surfaces of microbial pathogens rather than host cells because: Their higher-order oligomeric structure can be assembled only after the monomers first bind to pathogen membranes. They only recruit MASP (MBL-associated serine proteases) proteins when bound to pathogen surfaces and not when bound to host cells. They only undergo the conformational change needed to activate MASP proteins when bound to a pathogen and not when bound to a host cell. They only bind to carbohydrate side chains and oligosaccharide modifications found on pathogen surfaces but not on host cell membranes. The activated MASP proteins are rapidly inactivated by hydrolysis when present on the surface of a host cell.
The alternative pathway is an amplification loop for C3b formation that is accelerated by properdin in the presence of pathogens. The alternative pathway of complement activation has an important role in innate immunity, due to its ability to greatly amplify the amount of C3b deposited onto the pathogen surface. This amplification occurs because: The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway is much more active than those of the classical and lectin pathways. The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway works as a soluble enzyme in the plasma. The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway cannot be inactivated by complement regulatory factors in the host. The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway is more efficiently recruited to pathogen surfaces than the C3 convertases of the classical and lectin pathways. The C3 convertase of the alternative pathway contains C3b, and can generate more of itself.
The terminal complement proteins polymerize to form pores in membranes that can kill certain pathogens. The terminal components of the complement pathway assemble to form a membrane attack complex that can induce pathogen lysis and death. Yet, evidence indicates that this feature of complement is less important than the earlier steps that promote pathogen opsonization and induce inflammation. This conclusion is based on: In vitro experiments showing that very few species of bacteria are susceptible to lysis by the membrane attack complex Experiments indicating that only bacteria, but not viruses or fungi, are susceptible to lysis by the membrane attack complex The very low levels of terminal complement components in the serum The fact that other mammalian species lack the terminal components of the complement pathway needed to form the membrane attack complex The limited susceptibility to infections of patients with deficiencies in terminal complement components
Although the complement cascade can be initiated by antibodies bound to the surface of a pathogen, complement activation is generally considered to be an innate immune response. This is because: Two of the three pathways for complement activation are initiated by constitutively produced recognition molecules that directly interact with microbial surfaces. When the complement cascade leads to the formation of a membrane-attack complex, the pathogen is killed. Several of the soluble products generated by complement activation lead promote the inflammatory response. Complement proteins bound to the pathogen promote uptake and destruction by phagocytic cells. The C3 convertase is only produced when complement activation is initiated by antibody binding to a pathogen.
B cells express a complement receptor that binds to C3b cleavage products, such as iC3b and C3dg. When a B cell with an antigen receptor that specifically recognizes that pathogen also has its complement receptor stimulated because the pathogen is opsonized with these C3 fragments, B cell activation is greatly enhanced. Due to this mechanism, B cells can be activated by much lower concentrations of antigen (in this case, the pathogen) than if the antigen is devoid of complement components. This mechanism functions to: Ensure that pathogens are readily detected by the adaptive immune system before they replicate to high levels in the host Prevent B cells from being activated in response to antigens that are not pathogens Allow B cells to phagocytose the pathogen and help destroy it Induce increased rounds of B cell replication to make more pathogen-specific B cells Allow the B cell to block pathogen replication by interfering with multiple pathogen surface functions
The classical complement pathway is initiated by C1q binding to the surface of a pathogen. In some cases, C1q can directly bind the pathogen, for instance by recognizing proteins of bacterial cell walls, but in most cases C1q binds to IgM antibodies that are bound to the pathogen surface. How does this IgM-binding feature of C1q contribute to rapid, innate immune responses rather than to slow, adaptive responses? C1q induces B lymphocytes to begin secreting antibody within hours of pathogen exposure. Natural antibody that binds to many microbial pathogens is produced prior to pathogen exposure. C1q binds to C-reactive protein which then binds to IgM on the pathogen surface. C1q directly induces inflammation, recruiting phagocytes and antibodies from the blood into the infected tissue. C1q binds to dendritic cells in the infected tissue, inducing them to secrete inflammatory cytokines.
Ingestion of complement-tagged pathogens by phagocytes is mediated by receptors for the bound complement proteins. Even when the complement cascade fails to proceed beyond generating the C3 convertase, complement activation is effective at inducing pathogen uptake and destruction. This process of immune protection is mediated by: Activation of complement inhibitory receptors on phagocytes that promote pathogen uptake Activation of soluble proteases in the serum that disrupt pathogen membranes Engagement of complement receptors on phagocytes by C3b and its cleavage products which promotes phagocytosis Engagement of complement receptors on B cells that promotes antibody production Stimulation of antimicrobial peptide secretion by phagocytes
Opsonization of pathogens by both antibodies and complement proteins (C3b) leads to uptake and destruction of the pathogen by phagocytic cells that express both Fc receptors and complement receptors. Which of the following in the figure below is the most efficient form of dual opsonization of the pathogen by antibody and C3b to maximize phagocytosis?
True/False: Several pathogens produce proteins, either membrane-bound or secreted, that inactivate C3b that might be deposited on the pathogen surface. C3b is specifically targeted due to its central position in all three complement pathways. Explain.
Multiple pathways for regulating complement activation limit the potential damage caused by complement deposition on host cells or caused by the spontaneous activation of complement proteins in the plasma. Genetic deficiencies in these mechanisms often lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, but in some cases can paradoxically lead to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections. This latter outcome may occur because: Complement regulatory proteins have dual functions in inhibiting and promoting complement activation. Uncontrolled complement activation leads to the depletion of serum complement proteins. The inhibition of the membrane attack complex by complement regulatory proteins normally leads to enhanced activation of the early steps of the complement pathway. Complement regulatory proteins normally cause the rapid depletion of plasma complement factors. Uncontrolled complement activation recruits the majority of phagocytic cells, leaving few remaining to fight infections in…
Which of the following apply to the specific function of IL-2? OIL-2 promotes vasodilation and vascular permeability OIL-2 promotes rapid mitosis by lymphocytes IL-2 promotes the perforation of the plasma membrane of host cells infected with an intracellular pathogen O None of the statements apply OIL-2 promotes complement-directed lysis of the pathogen OIL-2 promotes fever