Anticorps C4

Non-enzymatic component of C3 and C5 convertases and thus essential for the propagation of the classical complement pathway. Covalently binds to immunoglobulins and immune complexes and enhances the solubilization of immune aggregates and the clearance of IC through CR1 on erythrocytes. C4A isotype is responsible for effective binding to form amide bonds with immune aggregates or protein antigens, while C4B isotype catalyzes the transacylation of the thioester carbonyl group to form ester bonds with carbohydrate antigens.

This gene encodes the basic form of complement factor 4, part of the classical activation pathway. The protein is expressed as a single chain precursor which is proteolytically cleaved into a trimer of alpha, beta, and gamma chains prior to secretion. The trimer provides a surface for interaction between the antigen-antibody complex and other complement components. The alpha chain may be cleaved to release C4 anaphylatoxin, a mediator of local inflammation. Deficiency of this protein is associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. This gene localizes to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class III region on chromosome 6. Varying haplotypes of this gene cluster exist, such that individuals may have 1, 2, or 3 copies of this gene. In addition, this gene exists as a long form and a short form due to the presence or absence of a 6.4 kb endogenous HERV-K retrovirus in intron 9. This GeneID and its associated RefSeq record represent a second copy of C4B found on ALT_REF_LOCI_7.

Complement component C4 is expressed at highest levels in the liver, at moderate levels in the adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla, thyroid gland, and the kidney, and at lowest levels in the heart, ovary, small intestine, thymus, pancreas and spleen. The extra-hepatic sites of expression may be important for the local protection and inflammatory response.

Complement component 4A deficiency: A rare defect of the complement classical pathway associated with the development of autoimmune disorders, mainly systemic lupus with or without associated glomerulonephritis.

Systemic lupus erythematosus: A chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, and often febrile multisystemic disorder of connective tissue, characterized principally by involvement of the skin, joints, kidneys and serosal membranes. It is of unknown etiology, but is thought to represent a failure of the regulatory mechanisms of the autoimmune system. The disease is marked by a wide range of system dysfunctions, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the formation of LE cells in the blood or bone marrow.

Prior to secretion, the single-chain precursor is enzymatically cleaved to yield non-identical chains alpha, beta and gamma. During activation, the alpha chain is cleaved by C1 into C4a and C4b, and C4b stays linked to the beta and gamma chains. Further degradation of C4b by C1 into the inactive fragments C4c and C4d blocks the generation of C3 convertase. The proteolytic cleavages often are incomplete so that many structural forms can be found in plasma.

Secreted. Cell junction > Synapse. Cell projection > Axon. Cell projection > Dendrite.