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Multiple Choice

Complement activation via any of the three pathways produces three results. Which of the following is NOT a result?

Complement activation across any pathway ultimately drives three main outcomes: tagging pathogens for destruction, promoting inflammation, and rupturing pathogen membranes. When the cascade is set off, fragments like C3a and C5a act as inflammatory mediators, increasing vascular permeability and attracting immune cells; C3b coats (opsonizes) pathogens, making them easier targets for phagocytes; and the terminal membrane attack complex forms pores in pathogen membranes, causing cell lysis. Antibody production, however, is a function of B cells in the adaptive immune response, not a direct product of complement activation. The complement system can enhance antibody responses indirectly by improving antigen presentation and opsonization, but it does not itself generate antibodies.

Complement activation across any pathway ultimately drives three main outcomes: tagging pathogens for destruction, promoting inflammation, and rupturing pathogen membranes. When the cascade is set off, fragments like C3a and C5a act as inflammatory mediators, increasing vascular permeability and attracting immune cells; C3b coats (opsonizes) pathogens, making them easier targets for phagocytes; and the terminal membrane attack complex forms pores in pathogen membranes, causing cell lysis. Antibody production, however, is a function of B cells in the adaptive immune response, not a direct product of complement activation. The complement system can enhance antibody responses indirectly by improving antigen presentation and opsonization, but it does not itself generate antibodies.