FACTOR H Meaning and
Definition
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Factor H is a term primarily used in the field of immunology and refers to a specific protein known as complement factor H (CFH). CFH is an essential regulator of the complement system, a part of the immune system responsible for identifying and eliminating pathogens and damaged cells.
CFH is a soluble protein found in the blood plasma and plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the complement system. It acts as a negative regulator by inhibiting the excessive activation of the complement cascade, preventing damage to healthy cells.
The main function of Factor H is to bind to and regulate the activity of C3b, a component of the complement system. By binding to C3b, CFH helps prevent the formation of the membrane attack complex, which can cause cell lysis and tissue damage.
Mutations or deficiencies in Factor H have been associated with several disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of blindness in the elderly. Variations in the gene encoding Factor H can lead to an imbalance in the regulation of the complement system, increasing the risk of inflammation, tissue damage, and autoimmune conditions.
In summary, Factor H refers to the complement factor H protein, an important regulator of the immune system's complement system. Its function is to prevent excessive complement activation, maintaining the equilibrium necessary for immune defense without causing collateral damage to healthy tissues.
Common Misspellings for FACTOR H
- dactor h
- cactor h
- vactor h
- gactor h
- tactor h
- ractor h
- fzctor h
- fsctor h
- fwctor h
- fqctor h
- faxtor h
- favtor h
- faftor h
- fadtor h
- facror h
- facfor h
- facgor h
- facyor h
- fac6or h
- fac5or h
Etymology of FACTOR H
The term "Factor H" has its etymology rooted in the field of medical science.
The word "Factor" comes from Latin "factor" meaning "doer, maker", and it refers to something that has a causal or contributing role in a process or event. In the context of medicine, it is often used to describe a substance or protein that plays a specific role in a biological process.
The letter "H" in "Factor H" stands for "hemolytic", derived from the Greek word "haima", meaning "blood", and "lysis", meaning "breakdown" or "destruction". Hemolysis refers to the rupturing or destruction of red blood cells, and Factor H specifically plays a critical role in preventing the excessive destruction of red blood cells.
Overall, the etymology of the term "Factor H" combines Latin and Greek roots to describe a protein involved in regulating blood cell destruction.
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