Activation-dependent epitopes in the terminal complement pathway.
Assembly of the terminal complement complex (TCC) during complement activation is associated with considerable antigenic changes in the individual C5, C6, C7, C8 and C9 components. Numerous neoepitopes specific for the TCC are exposed. Similarly, native-restricted epitopes specific for the nonactivated components are concealed in the TCC. The present paper reviews these antigenic changes with special reference to available monoclonal antibodies and their utilization in assays to detect and quantify the TCC. Application of such assays in clinical medicine is discussed. Finally, a recommended terminology for the terminal complement pathway is put forward.
Mollnes
T E
TE
Institute of Immunology and Rheumatology, Rikshospitalet, University of Oslo, Norway.
Lea
T
T
Tschopp
J
J
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003167:Complement Activation; D003182:Complement C5 / Q000276:immunology; D050776:Complement C5b; D003186:Complement C9 / Q000276:immunology; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D000939:Epitopes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D003182:Complement C5; D003186:Complement C9; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D000939:Epitopes; D050776:Complement C5b; D003165:Complement System Proteins