C5 encodes the complement component 5, a critical protein in the complement system. C5 is cleaved into C5a (anaphylatoxin) and C5b, initiating the terminal complement pathway and membrane attack complex (MAC) formation. C5 plays a dual role in immune defense and inflammatory responses, with significant implications for neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases. [1]
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The C5 gene encodes a component of the complement system, part of the innate immune system involved in inflammation and immune response.
The C5 gene encodes complement component 5, a critical protein in the complement system. C5 is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain and is proteolytically cleaved into two functional fragments:
C5 is activated by the C5 convertase (C4b2a3b in the classical pathway, C3bBbC3b in the alternative pathway). Once cleaved, C5a acts as a powerful chemoattractant for neutrophils, monocytes, and other immune cells, while C5b sequentially recruits C6, C7, C8, and C9 to form the MAC.
C5 is expressed in various tissues:
The study of C5 has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
Complement System
C6
C7
Complement- Neuroinflammationne System
Woodruff et al. The role of complement in neurodegenerative disease (2011). 2011. ↩︎