![3OJY](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/3OJY.png)
Complement component 8 is a
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, res ...
involved in the
complement system. It is part of the
membrane attack complex (MAC).
A
hereditary deficiency of C8 can result in increased
susceptibility to
Neisseria
''Neisseria'' is a large genus of bacteria that colonize the mucosal surfaces of many animals. Of the 11 species that colonize humans, only two are pathogens, '' N. meningitidis'' and ''N. gonorrhoeae''.
''Neisseria'' species are Gram-negativ ...
infections, such as
meningitis and
gonorrhea
Gonorrhea, colloquially known as the clap, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium ''Neisseria gonorrhoeae''. Infection may involve the genitals, mouth, or rectum. Infected men may experience pain or burning with u ...
.
Structure
C8 is a heterotrimer; it consists of three different subunits. These are called C8 alpha, beta and gamma chains, encoded by the
genes ''C8A'', ''C8B'' and ''C8G'' respectively.
References
External links
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Complement system
{{gene-9-stub