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Complement System

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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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Analyzing Dynamic Protein Complexes Assembled On and Released From Biolayer Interferometry Biosensor Using Mass Spectrometry and Electron Microscopy

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Published on: August 6, 2018

Membrane attack complex generation increases as a function of time in stored blood.

X Hu¹, R P Patel, J A Weinberg

¹Department of Microbiology.

Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England)

|March 5, 2014

Summary

The complement system

Keywords:

complement extrinsic protease pathway membrane attack complex

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Published on: February 27, 2026

Area of Science:

Immunology
Transfusion Medicine
Hematology

Background:

Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo changes during storage, potentially causing adverse transfusion outcomes.
Complement activation during leukodepletion and storage may contribute to the RBC storage lesion.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the role of the complement system in red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis during storage.
To determine if complement activation contributes to the RBC storage lesion.

Main Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis of leukoreduced RBC units stored for 1-6 weeks.
Quantification of complement activation products (C3a, C5a, Bb, iC3b, C4d, C5b-9/MAC) using ELISA.

Main Results:

Membrane attack complex (MAC) levels significantly increased in RBC units with extended storage time.
C5b-9 deposition on RBCs also increased as a function of storage duration.

Conclusions:

The terminal complement pathway, specifically MAC formation, is a primary contributor to RBC changes during storage.
Inhibiting the terminal complement pathway could stabilize RBCs and extend their shelf life.