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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.

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Properdin

Introduction

Properdin is the only known positive regulator of complement activation that stabilizes the alternative pathway convertases. It is found in the blood serum of more complex animals.

Structure

Structure

Properdin is a gamma globulin protein composed of multiple identical protein subunits with a separate ligand-binding site. Native properdin occurs in head-to-tail dimers, trimers and tetramers in the fixed ratio 22:52:28.[1]

Function

Function

It is known that it participates in some specific immune responses. It plays a part in tissue inflammation as well as the engulfing of pathogens by phagocytes. In addition it is known to help to neutralize some viruses.

The properdin promotes the association of C3b with Factor B and provides a focal point for the assembly of C3bBb on a surface. It binds to preformed alternative pathway C3-convertases.[2] Properdin also inhibits the Factor H – mediated cleavage of C3b by Factor I.

Alternative pathway. Properdin is the “P” in the blue circles. (Some labels are in Polish.)

The alternative pathway is not dependent on antibodies. This branch of the complement system is activated by IgA immune complexes and bacterial endotoxins, polysaccharides, and cell walls, and results in producing anaphylatoxins, opsonins, chemotactic factors, and the membrane attack complex, all of which help fight pathogens.

History

History

Properdin was discovered in 1954 by Dr. Louis Pillemer of the Institute of Pathology (now the Department of Pathology at Case Western Reserve University).

Deficiency

Deficiency

Properdin deficiency is a rare X-linked disease in which properdin is deficient. Affected individuals are susceptible to fulminant meningococcal disease.[3]

References

References

  1. ↑ Smith C, Pangburn M, Vogel CW, Müller-Eberhard H (1984). “Molecular Architecture of Human Properdin, a Positive Regulator of the Alternative Pathway of Complement”. J Biol Chem. 259: R4582–4588.
  2. ↑ Hourcade D (2006). “The Role of Properdin in the Assembly of the Alternative Pathway C3 Convertases of Complement”. J Biol Chem. 281 (4): R2128–2132. doi:10.1074/jbc.m508928200. PMID 16301317.
  3. ↑ Dr. Lars Otto Uttenthal Properdin September 01 2005 Archived 2012-04-02 at the Wayback Machine.
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