What is the Context of Complement C3?

Primarily synthesized by the liver and macrophages, Complement C3 circulates in plasma as an inactive precursor. Its activation is a critical juncture for all three complement pathways—classical, alternative, and lectin—converging on C3 cleavage to initiate downstream immune responses.

What is the Significance of Complement C3?

Clinically, Complement C3 serves as a biomarker for assessing immune system activity and diagnosing inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Aberrant C3 levels indicate active disease processes, like lupus or glomerulonephritis, or suggest genetic predispositions, offering valuable diagnostic insights.

What is the Mechanism of Complement C3?

Upon activation, C3 is cleaved by convertases into C3a and C3b. C3a acts as an anaphylatoxin, promoting inflammation. C3b functions as a potent opsonin, coating microbial surfaces for phagocytosis, and is key in forming the C5 convertase, leading to membrane attack complex assembly and pathogen lysis.

What is the Application of Complement C3?

Measurement of serum Complement C3 levels is routinely applied to evaluate complement system integrity and activity, especially in patients with suspected autoimmune disorders, recurrent infections, or unexplained inflammation. Monitoring C3 aids in diagnosing C3 glomerulopathy and tracking disease progression or therapeutic response.

What is the Metric of Complement C3?

Complement C3 levels are precisely quantified using laboratory assays, typically nephelometry or turbidimetry, on a serum blood sample. These quantitative measurements are often interpreted with C4 levels and total hemolytic complement (CH50) assays for comprehensive assessment. Reference ranges guide interpretation.

What is the Risk of Complement C3?

Abnormal Complement C3 levels carry distinct clinical implications. Persistently low C3 concentrations may indicate excessive complement consumption in active autoimmune disease, such as lupus, or an inherited C3 deficiency, increasing infection susceptibility. Elevated C3, though less specific, can be observed during acute inflammation. Misinterpretation risks delayed medical intervention.

Complement C3 ∞ Area

Complement C3

Meaning

Complement C3 is a central protein of the innate immune system’s complement cascade, crucial for host defense and immune complex clearance. This molecule ensures rapid recognition and elimination of harmful entities.

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HRTioJuly 27, 2025

Complement C3

Meaning

Context

Significance

Mechanism

Application

Metric

Risk

What Are the Specific Diagnostic Markers for Estrogen Imbalance?

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