Application

Complement C8 is one of the end terminals of the complement system contained in the membrane attack complex (MAC). In the (MAC), C8 initiates and coordinates MAC pore formation. It has been used in research to investigate the mechanisms of how C8-C9 and C9-C9 interactions facilitate folding of the membrane attack complex perforin (MACPF) domain to form the circular pore.

Biochem/physiol Actions

C8 is one of the components of the terminal complement complex and is required for a functional complement system. It is composed of disulfide-linked C8α and C8γ and a noncovalently associated C8β chain. During formation of the membrane-attack complex, a domain on C8α induces C9 to polymerize and form a pore-like structure.

Other Notes

View more information on the complement pathway at www.sigma-aldrich.com/enzymeexplorer

Quality

Functionally pure by a sensitive hemolytic assay using depleted sera.