The membrane attack complex as an inflammatory trigger

Morgan, BP

HERO ID

2902075

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2015

Language

English

PMID

25956457

HERO ID 2902075
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2015
Title The membrane attack complex as an inflammatory trigger
Authors Morgan, BP
Journal Immunobiology
Abstract The final common pathway of all routes of complement activation involves the non-enzymatic assembly of a complex comprising newly formed C5b with the plasma proteins C6, C7, C8 and C9. When assembly occurs on a target cell membrane the forming complex inserts into and through the bilayer to create a pore, the membrane attack complex (MAC). On some targets, pore formation causes rapid lytic destruction; however, most nucleated cell targets resist lysis through a combination of ion pumps, membrane regulators and active recovery processes. Cells survive but not without consequence. The MAC pore causes ion fluxes and directly or indirectly impacts several important signalling pathways that in turn activate a diverse series of events in the cell, many of which are highly pro-inflammatory. Although this non-lytic, pro-inflammatory role of MAC has been recognised for thirty years, no consensus signalling pathway has emerged. Recent work, summarised here, has implicated specific signalling routes and, in some cells, inflammasome involvement, opening the door to novel approaches to therapy in complement-driven pathologies.
Doi 10.1016/j.imbio.2015.04.006
Pmid 25956457
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English