Complement component 3

C3 is the major complement component serum. It is mainly synthesized by macrophages and liver. C3 plays a central role in the activation of the complement system. Its processing by C3 convertase is the central reaction in both classical and alternative complement pathways. It is cleaved into two fragments, C3a and C3b. C3a anaphylatoxin is a mediator of local inflammatory process. In chronic inflammation, acts as a chemoattractant for neutrophils. After activation C3b can bind covalently, via its reactive thioester, to cell surface carbohydrates or immune aggregates. It induces the contraction of smooth muscle, increases vascular permeability and causes histamine release from mast cells and basophilic leukocytes.