Answer:
Compliment system also known as the compliment cascade is a system of plasma proteins that are directly or indirectly activated by pathogens or pathogen-bound antibodies leading to a series/cascade of reactions. The outcomes include;
a) Opsonization
An immune response where the target pathogen is marked for ingestion by the phagocytes. where;
- C3b fragments bind to the surface of pathogens.
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Macrophages and neutrophils are attracted to C3 protein molecules bound to the pathogens, making them easier to phagocytize.
b) Inflammation stimulation
An inflammation to attract more phagocytes.
- C5a fragments recruit immune cells to the site of infection.
- Neutrophils are attracted to the area and arrive via diapedesis.
- C3a fragments act as chemotactic agents.
c) direct cell lysis
Involves the attack on the pathogen hence eliminating it.
- C9 is polymerized into a circular-shaped complex on the pathogen surface.
- Multiple transmembrane proteins are recruited to the pathogen.
- MAC introduces holes to the bacterial cell membrane.