Anti-Factor H antibody [EPR22253-144] - BSA and Azide free (Capture)

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

Factor H also known as complement factor H is an important regulatory protein in the complement system. It has a molecular mass of approximately 155 kDa. This protein is mainly expressed in the liver but it can also be found in low levels in other tissues. Factor H serves as a control element for complement activation particularly affecting the alternative pathway. It binds to C3b a central component of the complement system and accelerates the decay of C3 convertase as well as promotes the proteolytic inactivation of C3b by factor I.

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.

Associated diseases and disorders

Factor H associations include atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and age-related macular degeneration. Factor H deficiency or dysfunction can lead to uncontrolled complement activation resulting in kidney damage in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome where it is also related to factor I. Additionally in age-related macular degeneration variants in the factor H gene are linked to increased susceptibility further highlighting the protein's importance in regulating immune responses.