Complement Component Gene

Cancer Terms -> Gene -> Complement Component Gene

Complement Component Gene Definition

These genes encode more than 30 proteins of the complement system engaged in host defense. This system provides both an independent immune system capable of attacking microbes as well as other foreign material and an adjunct to the antibody system. Once activated, the complement system fires in a cascade-like fashion in which one component activates the next. Both swift and powerful, millions of complement components can deposit on an invading microbe within only a few minutes. Such a potent system requires strict regulation to avoid host injury. Membrane cofactor protein (MCP) is one critical regulator aimed at controlling inadvertent complement activation on host cells and nearly every cell examined expresses MCP on its cell membrane.

Complement Component Gene Synonyms

Terms in Complement Component Gene category

C3 Gene
C5 Gene