Key Molecule in Immune System (IMAGE)

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Key Molecule in Immune System

Caption

This shows the molecular structure of the complement pro-convertase in complex with factor D. A double safety catch mechanism that involves a tiered and meticulously orchestrated interplay of three proteins (C3b, factor B, factor D) ensures that the destructive action of complement is restricted to target cells such as microbial intruders.

Credit

Federico Forneris & Piet Gros (Utrecht University, The Netherlands); Science

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