Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
Published on: January 29, 2014
The ability of IgA to inhibit complement consumption by complement-fixing antigens and antigen-antibody complexes
Abstract:
The polymeric and monomeric (7S) forms of the nitrophenyl-specific MOPC-315 murine IgA myeloma protein were examined for their capacity to inhibit the consumption of guinea-pig complement (C) by the C-activating protein DNP46BSA and by antigen-antibody (Ag-Ab) complexes. On a molar basis, 13S IgA was slightly (2-3 fold) more efficient than 7S IgA in inhibiting C consumption by DNP-BSA. When mixed with IgG antibodies prior to incubation with a non-complement-fixing antigen (TNP-KLH), 13S IgA was considerably more effective than 7S IgA in preventing the formation of Ag-Ab complexes able to fix C. The degree of inhibition observed was related to the concentration of C used in the assay, being greater at lower C concentrations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Humoral Immune Responses
Antibody Structure
Antibodies, also known as immunoglobulins (Ig), are essential players of the adaptive immune system. These antigen-binding proteins are produced by B cells and make up 20 percent of the total blood plasma by weight. In mammals, antibodies fall into five different classes, which each elicits a different biological response upon antigen binding.
The Y-Shaped Structure of Antibodies Consists of Four Polypeptide Chains
Antibodies consist of four polypeptide chains: two identical heavy...
Antimicrobial Proteins
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Antibody Actions
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Complement System
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

