title: Activation of the alternative complement pathway by Histoplasma capsulatum.
abstract: The present study was performed to determine whether Histoplasma capsulatum (yeast phase) is able to activate the alternative complement pathway. H. capsulatum yeasts were shown to consume C3 in C4-deficient guinea pig serum. Immunoelectrophoretic conversion of alternative pathway component factor B confirmed that C3 consumption was mediated by activation of the alternative pathway. These results demonstrate that H. capsulatum is able to activate the alternative complement pathway.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003167:Complement Activation; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000378:metabolism; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006658:Histoplasma / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3