Description
Introduction to Terminal Complement Complex (TCC) The Terminal Complement Complex (TCC), also recognized as sC5b-9, serves as a pivotal biomarker in assessing the immune response within the human body. This complex, integral to research endeavors, is central to the body's innate defense mechanism. Activation Pathways and TCC ELISA Significance Central to the complement system are three distinct activation pathways, all converging at the formation of a C5 convertase. It is the cleavage of C5 by these convertases that marks the commencement of the terminal or lytic pathway, a crucial stage in immune response. TCC ELISA emerges as a critical tool in this context, offering precise measurement and monitoring of these activities. The Terminal Pathway Mechanism Contrasting the activation pathways that necessitate enzymatic cleavage for activation, the terminal pathway operates predominantly through conformational changes induced upon binding. This intricate mechanism initiates with the binding of C6, which in turn facilitates the binding of C7, consequently altering the complex's conformation. Subsequent binding of C8 and the association of a variable number of C9 molecules with the C5b678 complex results in the formation of the Terminal Complement Complex (TCC) or Membrane Attack Complex (MAC). The Role of Neoantigens in TCC The formation of TCC in its membrane-bound form is a harbinger for cell lysis or the activation of various cellular metabolic pathways. These pathways are pivotal as they culminate in the synthesis and subsequent release of inflammatory mediators. A distinct feature of the TCC is the inclusion of neoantigens, not found in its separate native parts. These neoantigens appear in both the membrane-bound (MAC) and fluid-phase (SC5b-9) forms of TCC. This adds complexity and importance to TCC's role in the immune response. TCC ELISA in Research TCC ELISA is crucial due to its detectability in normal human plasma, where it's usually under 1 AU/ml. It significantly increases in patients with active immune responses. This measurable factor proves TCC ELISA's value in research. It enables detailed insights and continuous monitoring of the immune system's activity. How to analyze complement For accurate complement analysis, it is important that not only the correct technique is used but also that pre-analytical sample handling is performed in an appropriate manner to avoid erroneous results. Go to optimal guidelines