Fig. 7: Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)-Induced Lysis 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 Membrane Attack Complex (MAC)-Induced Lysis 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