Synthesis of C3, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9 by human fibroblasts.
We investigated the ability of human fibroblasts to produce the components of the final common pathway (C3-C9) of complement in vitro by co-culturing an alternative complement activator (agarose beads) with the cells. The test system involved incubation of beads with anti-complement antibodies followed by radioactive-labelled anti-Ig detection antibodies. Subsequently, the beads were examined in a radioimmunoassay. Our results indicate that human fibroblasts produce C3, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9. A neoepitope selectively expressed on activated C9 was detected, indicating assembly of the terminal complement complex and thus formation of a functional terminal complement pathway by the fibroblasts.
Garred
P
P
Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology, National Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Hetland
G
G
Mollnes
T E
TE
Stoervold
G
G
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D002460:Cell Line; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative / Q000502:physiology; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D011485:Protein Binding; D012685:Sepharose / Q000378:metabolism
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003176:Complement C3; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D012685:Sepharose