The Complement System: Lysing Organisms
Ana Drummond
Biology 2420
April 11, 2012
The Complement System
The complement system is a nonspecific defense mechanism activated in response to invading organisms. This system gets its name from the fact that it complements the action of antibodies. It is the primary mechanism activated by antibodies to kill foreign cells by forming membrane attack complexes. In addition to directly lysing the invading organisms it also reinforces the general inflammatory tactics. It can be activated in two ways: 1. A nonspecific innate immune response. This is when there is exposure to particular carbohydrate chains present on the surface of micro-organisms, but not found on humans cells. 2. An adaptive immune response. This is when
Biology 2420
April 11, 2012
The Complement System
The complement system is a nonspecific defense mechanism activated in response to invading organisms. This system gets its name from the fact that it complements the action of antibodies. It is the primary mechanism activated by antibodies to kill foreign cells by forming membrane attack complexes. In addition to directly lysing the invading organisms it also reinforces the general inflammatory tactics. It can be activated in two ways: 1. A nonspecific innate immune response. This is when there is exposure to particular carbohydrate chains present on the surface of micro-organisms, but not found on humans cells. 2. An adaptive immune response. This is when