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[Membrane proteins as regulators of the complement system]

L V Galebskaia

    Ukrainskii Biokhimicheskii Zhurnal (1978)
    |May 1, 1996
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cell defense proteins like decay accelerating factor (DAF) and complement receptor 1 (CR1) stabilize complement convertases. Other proteins, membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and C8-binding protein (C8bp), regulate complement lysis and membrane attack complex assembly.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Cell Biology
    • Biochemistry

    Context:

    • The complement system is a crucial part of innate immunity.
    • Complement-mediated lysis poses a threat to host cells.
    • Specific membrane proteins regulate complement activation to prevent self-damage.

    Purpose:

    • To summarize the structure, biochemical properties, and functions of key membrane proteins involved in cellular defense against complement lysis.
    • To review the mechanisms by which these proteins inhibit complement activation and assembly.
    • To discuss the tissue distribution and release of these protective proteins.

    Summary:

    • Membrane proteins decay accelerating factor (DAF) and complement receptor type 1 (CR1) inhibit complement convertase stability and promote dissociation.
    • Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) and CR1 act as cofactors for factor I-mediated proteolysis of C3b and C4b fragments.
    • C8-binding protein (C8bp) and protectin modulate the assembly of the membrane attack complex.
    • DAF, C8bp, and protectin are anchored to the membrane via glycophospholipid anchors, unlike integral proteins MCP and CR1.

    Impact:

    • Understanding these complement regulatory proteins is vital for developing therapies for complement-mediated diseases.
    • This review provides a comprehensive overview of cellular defense mechanisms against complement attack.
    • Knowledge of protein localization and release informs strategies for therapeutic intervention.

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