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Complement component C3 (C3)

Target: C3
Molecular classification: Complement protein, Opsonin, Anaphylatoxin precursor

Overview

Complement component C3 is a central and highly versatile protein in the complement system, acting as the main point of convergence for all three complement activation pathways—classical, alternative, and lectin. It plays critical roles in immune defense, inflammation, and homeostasis. Upon activation, C3 is cleaved into C3a and C3b. C3b opsonizes pathogens and can be further processed into iC3b, C3dg, and C3d fragments, which have distinct immunological functions. Dysregulation of C3 can lead to autoimmune diseases or increased susceptibility to infections. It is considered a drug target.

Mechanism of action

Complement inhibition; Promoting C3 degradation

Biological functions

Complement activationOpsonizationInflammationImmune complex clearancePhagocytosis enhancementTissue regenerationSynapse pruningDebris removalTumor surveillance/control

Disease associations

InfectionAutoimmune diseasesInflammatory diseasesTumor development

Safety considerations

Increased susceptibility to bacterial infections (deficiency)Inflammatory diseases (overactivation)Off-target effects of complement inhibitorsThrombotic microangiopathy

Biomarkers

C3 levels (deficiency/overactivation)C3a levels (inflammation)C3b levels (opsonization)

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