Fig. 6: Formation of the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) during the Complement Pathways

Multiple molecules of C9 combine with C5b,C6, C7, and C8 to form the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC). C5b6789n, functions as a Membrane Attack Complex (MAC). This helps to destroy Gram-negative bacteria as well as human cells displaying foreign antigens (virus-infected cells, tumor cells, etc.) by causing their lysis. It can also damage the envelope of enveloped viruses.

Illustration of Formation of the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) during the Complement Pathways .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology, The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html..

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Last updated: August, 2019
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser