title: The cytolytic C5b-9 complement complex: feedback inhibition of complement activation.
abstract: We describe a regulatory function of the terminal cytolytic C5b-9 complex [C5b-9(m)] of human complement. Purified C5b-9(m) complexes isolated from target membranes, whether in solution or bound to liposomes, inhibited lysis of sensitized sheep erythrocytes by whole human serum in a dose-dependent manner. C9 was not required for the inhibitory function since C5b-7 and C5b-8 complexes isolated from membranes were also effective. No effect was found with the cytolytically inactive, fluid-phase SC5b-9 complex. However, tryptic modification of SC5b-9 conferred an inhibitory capacity to the complex, due probably to partial removal of the S protein. Experiments using purified components demonstrated that C5b-9(m) exerts a regulatory effect on the formation of the classical- and alternative-pathway C3 convertases and on the utilization of C5 by cell-bound C5 convertases. C5b-9(m) complexes were unable to inhibit the lysis of cells bearing C5b-7(m) by C8 and C9. Addition of C5b-9(m) to whole human serum abolished its bactericidal effect on the serum-sensitive Escherichia coli K-12 strain W 3110 and suppressed its hemolytic function on antibody-sensitized, autologous erythrocytes. Feedback inhibition by C5b-9(m) represents a biologically relevant mechanism through which complement may autoregulate its effector functions.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Medical Microbiology, Giessen, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bhakdi
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Maillet
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muhly
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Kazatchkine
mesh_terms: D003167:Complement Activation; D050577:Complement C3-C5 Convertases / Q000378:metabolism; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative / Q000187:drug effects; D003171:Complement Pathway, Classical / Q000187:drug effects; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D050577:Complement C3-C5 Convertases