Properdin system

It should be mentioned that injection of the endotoxins (lipopolysac-charides) of gram-negative bacteria also produces an increase of antibody titer, but this action is linked with the properdin system and is of a very... 

Pillemer er al, Science 120, 279 (1954). Combines with zymosan, q.v., the insol cell wall residue from yeast L. Pil -iemer, O. A. Ross, ibid. 121, 732 (1955). Participates also in a nonspecific manner in a variety of immunological reactions of normal serum. Isoln from human serum L. Pillemer et al, J. Exp. Med. 103, 1 (1956). Purification Spicer et al., U.S. pat. 3,030,038 (1962 to Merck Co.). Characterization of highly purified human properdin J. Pensky er al, J. Immunol 108, 142(1968). Activity studies O. Giitze, H. J. Muller-Eberhard, J. Exp Med. 139, 44 (1974). The human properdin system has been studied extensively it was the subject of long years of scientific controversy. Components of tha human properdin system that have been identified and characterized are propardin, factor B, [actor D and C3. 

Comprehensive review of L. Pillemer s work and history of the properdin system discovery I. H. Lepow, J, Immunol. 125, 471 (1980). The rabbit propardin system G. B. Naff, ibid. 124, 2625 (1980). 

Pillemer L, Schoenberg MD, Blum L, Wurz L (1955) Properdin system and immunity. II. 

Interaction of the properdin system with polysaccharides. Science 122 545-549 Ravin HA, Seligman AM, Fine J (1952) Polyvinylpyrrolidone as a plasma expander. N Engl J Med 247 921-929... 

B was originally characterized as one of the serum factors required for C3 destruction by the zymosan-activated properdin system. It was... 

Pillemer L, Blum L, Lepow IH, Ross OA, Todd EW, Wardlaw AC (1954) The properdin system and immunity I. Demonstration and isolation of new serum protein, properdin and its role in immune phenomenon. Science 120 279-285... 

Figure 6.3 A scheme of the alternative pathway or properdin system.

Figure 6.4 The common genots pes of Factor B of the properdin system.

Many polysaccharides contain branched structures and are chemically modified by the addition of other molecules. Their monomeric or repeat units are often made up of more than one sugar molecule and, consequently, can be quite complex. They form protective capsules of some of the most virulent microorganisms, capsules that, nevertheless, carry information that activate mammalian defenses the immune, interferon, and properdin systems [9, 136]. They are found as key portions of the exoskeletons of insects and arthropods and cell walls of plants and microbes and perform as reserve foodstuffs and important components of intercellular, mucous secretions, synovial and ocular fluids, and blood serum in many organisms. Food Applications compiles recent data on the food applications of marine polysaccharides from such various sources as fishery products, microorganisms, seaweeds, microalgae, and corals [137, 138]. One of the applications of this biopolymer relates to a method for protecting against diseases induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, which comprises mucosal administration of a S. pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide to a patient in need. 

Complement deficiencies are associated with several diseases. Alternative pathway deficiencies are rare, but when they exist more than one-half of factor D or properdin-deficient individuals suffer from Neisseria infections of which 75% are fatal. Individuals with deficiencies in the MAC components, e.g., C5, C6, Cl, and C8, are also susceptible to infection with Neisseria. Deficiencies in C1, C4, and C2 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and glomerulonephritis. Hereditary angioedema, a disease characterized by recurrent submucosal and subcutaneous edema, is caused by a deficiency in Cl inhibitor. Complexes and interactions similar to those of the complement system are also characteristic of the clotting system (Chapter 36). 

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