Explain why a genetic deficiency of C3 leads to a type of immunodeficiency characterized by recurrent and severe infections

What will be an ideal response?


C3 is a key element in the initiation of the complement cascade in all three pathways of complement activation, namely the alternative, lectin, and classical pathways. Its cleavage into C3a and C3b occurs early in the complement cascade. C3a acts as an inflammatory mediator and recruits inflammatory cells to the site of infection. C3b becomes fixed to the pathogen surface and facilitates the opsonization of pathogens by phagocytes and the assembly of complement components for perforation of the pathogen membrane. In the absence of C3, all three pathways of complement activation would be arrested and extracellular pathogens would escape immune detection until adaptive immune mechanisms develop fully many days later.

Health & Biomechanics

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Health & Biomechanics

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Health & Biomechanics

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What will be an ideal response?

Health & Biomechanics

Which of the following is considered the best way to lose weight?

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Health & Biomechanics