The complement system is an important factor in innate immunity. The third complement component, C3, is central to the classical, alternative and lectin pathways of complement activation. Activation products of the complement cascade contain neo-epitopes that are not present in the individual native components. Monoclonal antibodies detecting neo-epitopes have been used for direct quantification of activation at different steps in the complement cascade. The synthesis of C3 is tissue-specific and is modulated in response to a variety of stimulatory agents. C3 is the most abundant protein of the complement system with serum protein levels of about 1.3mg/ml. An inherited deficiency of C3 predisposes the person to frequent assaults of bacterial infections. In ulcerative colitis and idiopathic chronic inflammatory bowel disease, the deposition of C3 in the diseased mucosa has been reported.
Proteolysis by certain enzymes results in the cleavage of C3 into C3a and C3b. C3b becomes attached to immune complexes and is further cleaved into iC3b, C3c, C3dg and C3f.
Applications:
Suitable for use in ELISA and Immunohistochemistry. Other applications have not been tested.
Recommended Dilutions:
ELISA: Detects and/or quantifies C3 activation products in human plasma, synovial fluid and cerebrospinal fluid
Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin, frozen): 1:50
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.
Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for 12 months. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.