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Evolutionary implications of a new bypass activation pathway of the complement system
T C Farries1, K L Steuer, J P Atkinson
1Howard Hughes Medical Institute Laboratories, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
Immunology Today
|March 1, 1990
Summary
The classical complement pathway evolved from the older alternative pathway, sharing homologous proteins and activation mechanisms. This review explores their evolutionary journey and functional data.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The classical pathway of complement activation is an antibody-dependent immune response involving plasma proteins.
- It shares similarities with the alternative pathway, suggesting a common evolutionary origin.
- Both pathways generate anaphylatoxins (C3a, C5a) and deposit C3b, crucial for immune reactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolutionary relationship between the classical and alternative complement pathways.
- To present a potential sequence of evolutionary events based on recent functional data.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of complement components.
- Review of functional data from laboratory studies.
Main Results:
- Phylogenetic data suggest the alternative pathway predates the classical pathway.
- The classical pathway is proposed to have evolved from the alternative pathway.
- Functional data support a specific sequence of evolutionary events.
Conclusions:
- The classical and alternative complement pathways share a common evolutionary origin.
- Understanding this evolution provides insights into immune system development.
- Recent functional data offer a framework for the evolutionary trajectory of the classical pathway.