Supported by rich experience in the field, complement assays team at Profacgen can provide tailored analysis services for customers.
The complement system is an ancient evolutionary conserved element of innate immune mechanisms that plays a crucial role in host defense against various pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It consists of more than 50 different plasma and membrane-associated proteins that are present in circulation and tissues and form the basis of three activation pathways: classical, alternative, and lectin. Most of these proteins are synthesized as inactive proteins, and they are directly or indirectly activated by appropriate stimuli. The activated forms of these proteins act as proteases and continuously cleave other components in a series of cascades to produce the final effector exponentially.
Because the complement system is a very effective killing machine, its activity is tightly regulated by various soluble molecules and complement protein receptors. Once the regulatory mechanisms are disturbed, such as excessive, uncontrolled, or lack of activation of complement, various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can be caused. In addition, several reports have shown a tumor-promoting effect of complement, which acts on varying degrees of tumor progression. Therefore, analysis of the levels and activity of complement and monitoring of complement associated with disease are particularly important in drug development, clinical studies, and immunotherapy.
Available services:
Complement Component Assays
Profacgen developed standardized assays targeting each complement protein, without cross-reacting with their related complement proteins. The company also provides Complement Panels that are dependent on customizable selection of analytes, such as C2, C4b, C5, C5a, C9, Factor D, MBL and Factor I.
Functional Complement Assays
A comprehensive menu of markers for complement function and activation is available, as well as test packages for assessment of complement deficiencies and complement function.
