The complement system, also known as complement cascade, is a part of the humoral, innate immune system and enhances (complements) the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to …

This chain reaction is called a cascade. When each protein activates, it can perform its function to protect your body and turn on the next. Where is the complement system located? The …

Proteins that take part in the complement system are called complements that collectively work as a biological cascade; the sequence of reactions, each being the catalyst for the next.

Complement can be activated via three different pathways (Figure 1), which can each cause the activation of C3, cleaving it into a large fragment, C3b, that acts as an opsonin, and a small …

The complement (C) cascade is an ancient system of proteins whose primary role is to initiate and modulate immune responses. During C activation, circulating proteins are cleaved and …

Complement proteins bind to the surfaces of microorganisms and are particularly attracted to pathogens that are already bound by antibodies.

Sep 14, 2025 · This illustration provides a detailed look at the complement cascade’s stages and its vital role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity.

After tissue injury, the inflammatory response triggers thrombus formation as a result of the activation of the coagulation cascade and of what we call the complement cascade.

Dec 18, 2025 · When activated by one of three pathways, a cascade of serial cleavage events results in a marked amplification of the immune response and formation of the cell-killing …

The complement system consists of a large number of inactive components (zymogens) that are activated in a cascade-like manner to exert its biological effects in the innate immune system.