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Complement System01:27

Complement System

The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a membrane...
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Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
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Micrurus snake venoms activate human complement system and generate anaphylatoxins.

Gabriela D Tanaka1, Giselle Pidde-Queiroz, Maria de Fátima D Furtado

  • 1Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Av, Vital Brazil, 1500, São Paulo, 05503-900, Brazil.

BMC Immunology
|January 18, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Coral snake (Micrurus) venoms activate the complement system, generating anaphylatoxins that may enhance venom spreading. This study investigated the in vitro effects of seven Micrurus species venoms on complement pathways.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Toxicology
  • Herpetology

Background:

  • Coral snakes (genus Micrurus) are venomous elapids with over 120 species found in the Americas.
  • Micrurus envenomation can lead to severe neurotoxicity, muscle paralysis, and respiratory arrest.
  • Venoms exhibit diverse activities, including cardiotoxicity, hemolysis, and myotoxicity, beyond neurotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the in vitro effects of venoms from seven Micrurus species on the human complement system.
  • To identify specific complement pathways activated by Micrurus venoms.
  • To explore the enzymatic activities within Micrurus venoms responsible for complement activation.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies using sera from seven Micrurus species.
  • Assays to assess complement consumption (classical, lectin, and alternative pathways).
  • Analysis of complement component cleavage (C3, C4) and generation of anaphylatoxins (C3a, C4a, C5a).

Main Results:

  • Several Micrurus venoms activated the classical and/or lectin pathways, but not the alternative pathway.
  • Complement activation led to the generation of anaphylatoxins C3a, C4a, and C5a.
  • Micrurus venoms contained metalloproteases that specifically cleaved the C3α chain and proteases that degraded C1-Inhibitor, disrupting complement regulation.

Conclusions:

  • Micrurus venoms activate the complement system, producing anaphylatoxins.
  • Anaphylatoxins may enhance venom spread via vasodilation.
  • Venom-induced complement activation involves direct C3 cleavage and C1-Inhibitor degradation.