What is a complex of membrane attack?

The complex of membrane attack (MAC), often referred to as a complex of complementary membrane attack, is one of the methods used by the immune system to attack the threat to the body. It is closely related to the complement system that exists for the help of antibodies and other aspects of the immune system in cleaning pathogens from the human body. The complementary system and an offensive complex include many varieties of proteins found in the blood. The proteins bind on the membranes of pathogenic cells and form a circular pore that allows extracellular substances to the cell. When enough of these pores are formed, the integrity of the cell is seriously endangered and the cell death is almost inevitable. The first phase, usually referred to as initiation, includes proteins C5, C6 and C7. Through the procedure involving cleavage and binding of these proteins, it is able to penetrate the membrane of pathogenic cells. Proteins C6 and C5 are bound to protein C7; This phase of initiation and insertion into the membrane is necessary to continue the attack complex.

The second phase is referred to as the polymerization phase that includes C8 and C9 proteins, and the goal is to actually create a leek that eventually destroys the pathogenic cell. C8 is able to insert into the membrane of pathogenic cells due to properties related to the polarity of the molecules that form the membrane and protein. Then it is able to induce many C9 proteins to form a porous structure that penetrates the membrane of pathogenic cells. The structure is associated with proteins C5, C6, C7 and C8.

In any response of the immune system, it is important that the immune system is able to distinguish the cell of the body from foreign cells to focus only on pathogenic cells. This also applies to the membrane attack complex. Protein CD59, also referred to as protection, is present on normal non -pathogenic cells; It prevents the process from affecting these healthy cells. Many viruses like HIV are able to integrate parts of host bUnek, including the CD59, into their own viral forms, so they are not affected.