title: Complement-mediated killing of susceptible gram-negative bacteria: an elusive mechanism.
abstract: Exposure of gram-negative bacteria to a source of antibody and complement frequently results in efficient cell killing; this effect follows the deposition of C5b-9 membrane attack complexes onto the bacterial surface. This review examines the molecular and physiological events culminating in C5b-9 deposition and cell death and advances an hypothesis that may account for cytoplasmic-membrane damage following complement-mediated perturbation of the outer membrane.
authors.affiliation: CIBA-Geigy Pharmaceuticals, Horsham, UK.
authors.forename: P W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Taylor
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001770:Blood Bactericidal Activity; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D003186:Complement C9 / Q000378:metabolism; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex / Q000276:immunology*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D008564:Membrane Potentials; D008954:Models, Biological; D010085:Oxidative Phosphorylation; D010101:Oxygen Consumption
chemical_list: D003186:Complement C9; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex