Which of the following statements regarding the activation of complement is true?
A)Complement is activated only as a result of nonspecific immune responses
B)Complement is activated only as a result of specific immune responses
C)Complement is activated as a result of both nonspecific and specific immune responses, but the activation by specific immune responses is more robust
D)Complement is activated as a result of both nonspecific and specific immune responses, but the activation by nonspecific immune responses is more robust
E)None of the choices are true

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Complement can be activated by both nonspecific and specific immune responses, but the activation by specific immune responses is typically more robust. For example, complement may be activated through the classical pathway when antibodies bind to a specific antigen on the surface of a pathogen, or through the alternative pathway when certain components of the complement system directly recognize and bind to pathogen surfaces. Additionally, complement activation can occur as a result of the lectin pathway, which involves the binding of mannose-binding lectin to pathogen surfaces. Therefore, complement plays a role in both nonspecific innate immunity and specific adaptive immunity.

Which of the Following Statements Regarding the Activation of Complement