Anti-Factor H antibody [C3]

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Biological function summary

Factor H limits the activity of the complement system to prevent damage to host tissues. The protein exists in the plasma in a soluble form. It functions by recognizing host cell surfaces via specific markers avoiding inappropriate activation. Factor H belongs to a group of proteins which include other regulators of complement activation. These proteins maintain the balance between effective immune defense and protection of host tissue from excessive immune responses.

Pathways

Factor H is a part of the alternative complement pathway. This pathway is important for innate immune response involving proteins like factor P (properdin) which stabilizes C3 convertase. Factor H modulates these interactions to prevent unwarranted complement activity on host cells. Another related pathway is the classic complement pathway although factor H's involvement here is less direct since it primarily regulates the alternative pathway.