Complement-mediated solubilization of immune complexes and their interaction with complement C3 receptors

Some of the molecular events in the complement (C)-mediated solubilization of immune complexes (IC) have been clarified in recent years. The solubilization is primarily mediated by alternative C pathway proteins whereas factors in the classical pathway accelerate the process. Components of the membrane attack complex do not participate in the reaction. Besides affecting the size and solubility of circulating IC the interaction with C factors influences the reactivities of the complexes towards fluid phase reactants and mediates the reversible binding of IC to cellular C3 receptors. Our knowledge of the cellular localization, expression and structure of the C3 receptors, especially the C3b (CR1) receptor, has been considerably extended in the last few years, whereas our understanding of the physiological role of these receptors is still fragmentary. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that impaired solubilization of IC in patients with compromised C function may permit the complexes to deviate from their normal pattern of interaction with C3 receptors probably influencing both the organ distribution and clearance of IC and thereby also their phlogistic potentials.