Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Decay accelerating factor
Introduction
Decay accelerating factor (CD55) is a 70 kDa membrane protein that regulates the complement system on the cell surface. It prevents the assembly of the C3bBb complex (the C3-convertase of the alternative pathway) or accelerates the disassembly of preformed convertase, thus blocking the formation of the membrane attack complex.
This glycoprotein is broadly distributed among hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells. It is a determinant for the Cromer blood group system.
Pathology
Pathology
DAF is not expressed on paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria III (markedly abnormal) RBCs; however, this deficiency is not the cause of PNH.
External links
External links
- Decay-Accelerating+Factor at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
- Cromer blood group system at BGMUT, Blood Group Antigen Gene Mutation Database at NCBI, NIH
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]