COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION Meaning and
Definition
-
Complement activation refers to a complex series of biochemical reactions that occur in response to the recognition of bacteria, viruses, immune complexes, or other foreign particles by the complement system. The complement system is a key component of the immune system and plays a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens.
When the complement system is activated, a cascade of reactions is initiated, resulting in the enzymatic cleavage and activation of various complement proteins. This cascade can be activated through three different pathways: the classical pathway, the lectin pathway, and the alternative pathway. Each pathway is initiated by different stimuli and involves different complement proteins.
Once activated, the complement proteins work together to promote inflammation, opsonization (enhancement of phagocytosis), and cytolysis (cell destruction). They can also attract immune cells to the site of infection or inflammation.
The activation of the complement system leads to the production of various effector molecules, including anaphylatoxins, opsonins, and membrane attack complexes. These molecules mediate the immune response and help in the elimination of pathogens.
Complement activation is tightly regulated to prevent excessive activation and potential damage to host tissues. Dysregulation of complement activation can result in various immune-related disorders, such as autoimmune diseases, immune complex diseases, and inflammatory disorders.
Understanding the mechanisms of complement activation is essential for the development of therapeutic interventions and vaccines against infectious diseases and immune disorders.
Common Misspellings for COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION
- xomplement activation
- vomplement activation
- fomplement activation
- domplement activation
- cimplement activation
- ckmplement activation
- clmplement activation
- cpmplement activation
- c0mplement activation
- c9mplement activation
- conplement activation
- cokplement activation
- cojplement activation
- comolement activation
- comllement activation
- com-lement activation
- com0lement activation
- compkement activation
- comppement activation
- compoement activation
Etymology of COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION
The word "complement" in the context of immunology refers to a group of proteins in the blood that work together to enhance the immune response. These proteins "complement" the actions of antibodies and help in the identification and destruction of pathogens.
The term "activation" refers to the process by which the complement proteins become functional and initiate their immune response. Activation occurs when these proteins are triggered by various stimuli, such as antibodies binding to pathogens or by certain molecules released by damaged cells.
The etymology of the word "complement" traces back to the Latin word "complemēntum", which means "that which fills up or completes". In this case, the complement proteins complete or enhance the action of antibodies in the immune response.
The term "activation" comes from the Latin word "activātiō", which means "to make active or put into action".
