Protein Structures from the Human Immune System's Oldest Branch (IMAGE)

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Protein Structures from the Human Immune System's Oldest Branch

Caption

Molecular structure of factor H bound to C3b. In order to avoid self-attack, regulatory proteins such as factor H bind with C3b, a central component of the enzyme C3 convertase, to help the immune system recognize the body's own tissue and keep complement in check.

Credit

John Lambris, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.