Health Dictionary
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Complement component 7
Introduction
Complement component 7 is a protein involved in the complement system of the innate immune system. C7 is part of the membrane attack complex (MAC) which creates a hole on pathogen surfaces, leading to cell lysis and death.
Its primary task is to bind the C5bC6 complex together. This junction alters the configuration of the protein molecules, exposing a hydrophobic site on C7 that allows the C7 to insert into the phospholipid bilayer of the pathogen.
External links
External links
- Complement+C7 at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)