MeSH definition : A glycoprotein that is central in both the classical and the alternative pathway of
COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION. C3 can be cleaved into COMPLEMENT C3A and COMPLEMENT C3B, spontaneously
at low level or by C3 CONVERTASE at high level. The smaller fragment C3a is an ANAPHYLATOXIN
and mediator of local inflammatory process. The larger fragment C3b binds with C3
convertase to form C5 convertase.;
A glycoprotein that is central in both the classical and the alternative pathway of
COMPLEMENT ACTIVATION. C3 can be cleaved into COMPLEMENT C3A and COMPLEMENT C3B, spontaneously
at low level or by C3 CONVERTASE at high level. The smaller fragment C3a is an ANAPHYLATOXIN
and mediator of local inflammatory process. The larger fragment C3b binds with C3
convertase to form C5 convertase.