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Soluble Membrane Attack Complex: Biochemistry and Immunobiology.

Scott R Barnum1, Doryen Bubeck2, Theresa N Schein1

  • 1CNine Biosolutions, LLC, Birmingham, AL, United States.

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|November 26, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The soluble membrane attack complex (sMAC) is a key part of complement activation. This review explores sMAC

Keywords:
MACcholesterol-dependent cytolysinscomplementdiagnosticssC5b-9sMACsoluble membrane attack complex

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The soluble membrane attack complex (sMAC), also known as sC5b-9 or TCC, is formed during complement activation.
  • sMAC is a pore-forming molecule composed of multiple complement and regulatory proteins, distinct from its membrane-bound counterpart.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure and immunobiology of sMAC.
  • To discuss the current understanding of sMAC formation and function.
  • To explore the diagnostic and prognostic potential of sMAC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of structural and functional studies on sMAC.
  • Analysis of sMAC presence in body fluids under homeostatic and disease conditions.
  • Discussion of potential applications in diagnostics and companion diagnostics.

Main Results:

  • sMAC differs structurally from the membrane attack complex (MAC).
  • sMAC levels change significantly in various diseases, including infection, autoimmune disorders, and trauma.
  • No specific complement-mediated function has been identified for sMAC to date.

Conclusions:

  • The formation mechanisms and biological functions of sMAC remain largely unknown.
  • sMAC's presence in body fluids and altered levels in disease suggest diagnostic and prognostic utility.
  • sMAC may serve as a valuable biomarker and potential companion diagnostic.