FACTOR D Meaning and
Definition
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Factor D is a critical protein component of the complement system, a part of the immune response that helps the body in identifying and eliminating harmful pathogens. It is an enzyme that plays a key role in the alternative pathway of the complement system, which is one of the three pathways involved in the activation of the complement cascade.
Specifically, Factor D acts as a serine protease that cleaves Factor B, another protein of the complement system, into two fragments: Ba and Bb. This enzymatic activity results in the activation of Factor Bb, which then combines with other complement factors to form a complex known as C3 convertase generating C3b. The alternative pathway amplifies the immune response and enhances the opsonization of foreign substances, marking them for removal by immune cells.
Factor D is primarily produced by the liver and, once activated, circulates in the blood stream. Deficiencies in Factor D have been associated with an increased susceptibility to infections, particularly with Neisseria species, suggesting its critical role in host defense against these pathogens. Moreover, dysregulation of Factor D activity has been implicated in various autoimmune diseases and inflammatory conditions.
Overall, Factor D is an essential protein of the complement system that acts as a serine protease, participating in the alternative pathway and contributing to the immune response against infections and other pathological processes.
Common Misspellings for FACTOR D
- dactor d
- cactor d
- vactor d
- gactor d
- tactor d
- ractor d
- fzctor d
- fsctor d
- fwctor d
- fqctor d
- faxtor d
- favtor d
- faftor d
- fadtor d
- facror d
- facfor d
- facgor d
- facyor d
- fac6or d
- fac5or d
Etymology of FACTOR D
The word "Factor D" does not have a separate etymology, as it is a technical term used in the field of immunology and biochemistry. So, it does not have a specific origin or derivation. However, it is worth noting that the "D" in Factor D refers to the fourth component discovered in the complement system, a part of the immune system.
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