Question

Question 1: In what way(s) do complement proteins act as sensors? As effectors?

Question 2: How does interferon (IFN) protect cells from viral attack?

Answer 1

Ans- 1 Complement proteins are part of immune system which helps in enhancing the role of antibodies and phagocytic cells for there proper functioning in removal of harmful foreign substances from the body.They are several proteins which are present in bloodstream and tissue fluid.

The ways in which complement proteins acts as sensors are-

They are play their role in forming enzymatic cascade. They get activated either by pathogens directly or antibody which are present on the surface of pathogen. This shows that they have specific sensors for pathogenic presence. they acts as sensors and forms the C1 complex which fragments into C2a and C4b. Now these two fragments come together and form C3 convertase enzyme. This enzyme now acts as a effector which hydrolysis into C3b and C3a fragments. These fragments cleaves the respective components further and hence causes the cells to swell and burst.

Ans-2 Interferon( IFN) protects the cells from viral attack by-

This is produced by cells that are infected by virus . These cells releases interferon which acts as a inhibitor for further spread of virus in the cells . There are certain receptors that are present in the cells. IFN binds to these receptors on neighbouring cells and causes inhibition of production of viral RNA and proteins for viruses formation. Sometimes , infected cells undergoes apoptosis to reduce further spread.

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