New! Mouse Complement Pathway Assays!

The activation of the lectin complement pathways in mice can now be measured with the new Hycult Biotech Assays HIT420 and HIT421.

Mouse Classical Complement Pathway Assay (HIT420)

Mouse Lectin Complemement Pathway Assay (HIT421)

The innate immune system is important in the first defense against foreign pathogens. A major component of this response is the complement system. Complement activation proceeds in a sequential fashion through the proteolytic cleavage of a series of proteins leading to the generation of activated products that mediate various biological activities through their interaction with specific cellular receptors and other serum proteins. The three pathways, designated classical, lectin and alternative pathway, converge at a central component into a final common pathway. That is activation of C3 leading to formation of C3a and C3b. This cleavage activates the terminal complement pathway leading to eventually the formation of the terminal C5b-9 complement complex (TCC).

The complement pathway assays are a new alternative for the AP50 and CH50 tests, that are more cumbersome and variable due to the fact that the test is performed with sheep erythrocytes. The mouse pathway Assays are easy to use and specific for its pathway by making use of a combination of specialized coatings and buffers. Complement deficiencies or other defects in the complement system can easily be screened by running this assay.