compound introduction
Complement C3 (C3) is the most abundant component of the complement system, with levels in human plasma of ~1.2-1.5 mg/ml. It is central to the activation of both the classical and alternative complement pathways, both of which lead to the proteolytic processing of C3 to C3a and C3b. C3 exists as a heterodimer with molecular masses of 115 kDa and 75 kDa, although it is readily processed to create C3a, C3b or C3c depending on the processed state. Reacts to C3 antisera on Western Blot Negative against C4 antisera on Western Blot Ref: Tack BF and JW Prahl. 1976. Biochemistry. 15:4513, Tack BF et al. 1981. Methods Enzymol. 80:64, Janatova, J. 1988. Methods Enzymol. 162:579.
