Complement Component C8 Alpha Chain (C8A) ELISA Kit for Bovine

C8 is a component of the complement system and contains three polypeptides, alpha, beta and gamma. This gene encodes the alpha subunit of C8. C8 participates in the formation of the membrane attack complex (MAC). The MAC assembles on bacterial membranes to form a pore, permitting disruption of bacterial membrane organization. Mutations in this gene cause complement C8 alpha-gamma deficiency. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2008]

C8A: Constituent of the membrane attack complex (MAC) that plays a key role in the innate and adaptive immune response by forming pores in the plasma membrane of target cells. C8A inserts into the target membrane, but does not form pores by itself. Defects in C8A are a cause of complement component 8 deficiency type 1 (C8D1). A rare defect of the complement classical pathway associated with susceptibility to severe recurrent infections, predominantly by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Neisseria meningitidis. Belongs to the complement C6/C7/C8/C9 family.

Protein type: Membrane protein, multi-pass

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 1p32

Cellular Component: membrane attack complex; extracellular space; membrane; extracellular region

Molecular Function: complement binding; protein complex binding

Biological Process: cytolysis; complement activation, alternative pathway; regulation of complement activation; innate immune response; immune response; complement activation, classical pathway; complement activation

Disease: Complement Component 8 Deficiency, Type I