Mnemonics: Complement

Author: V. Dimov, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at University of Chicago
Reviewer: S. Randhawa, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at LSU (Shreveport) Department of Allergy and Immunology

C3
All 3 complement pathways converge at C3 level

There are 3 pathways for activation of complement:

CAM

Classical
Alternative
Mannose-binding lectin (MBL)

CAM leads to MAC

CD59 blocks
C5-9
components of the complement, MAC, from perforating the cell membrane

References

Complement System
Complement Deficiencies

Published: 11/18/2009
Updated: 11/18/2009