Serum amyloid P component binds to Fc gamma receptors and opsonizes particles for phagocytosis.

Serum amyloid P component (SAP) is a member of the pentraxin family of proteins. These proteins are characterized by cyclic pentameric structure, calcium-dependent ligand binding, and frequent regulation as acute-phase serum proteins. SAP is the serum precursor of the P component of amyloid. It binds to a broad group of molecules, including autoantigens, through a pattern recognition binding site. The related pentraxin, C-reactive protein (CRP), is a strong acute-phase reactant in man and an opsonin. We previously determined that the binding of CRP to leukocytes occurs through Fc receptors for IgG (FcgammaR). We now report that SAP also binds to FcgammaR and opsonizes particles for phagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Specific, saturable binding of SAP to FcgammaRI, FcgammaRIIa, and FcgammaRIIIb expressed on transfected COS cells was detected using SAP-biotin and PE-streptavidin. Zymosan was used to test the functional consequences of SAP and CRP binding to FcgammaR. Both SAP and CRP bound to zymosan and enhanced its uptake by PMN. This enhanced phagocytosis was abrogated by treatment of PMN with wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitor, or with piceatannol, a Syk inhibitor, consistent with uptake through FcgammaR. Treatment of PMN with phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C to remove FcgammaRIIIb also decreased phagocytosis of SAP-opsonized zymosan, but not CRP-opsonized zymosan. These results suggest that SAP may function in host defense. In addition, as SAP binds to chromatin, a major immunogen in systemic lupus erythematosus, it may provide a clearance mechanism for this Ag through FcgammaR bearing cells.

Multiple ligand binding sites on domain seven of human complement factor H.

Foreign particles and damaged host cells can activate the complement system leading to their destruction by the host defense system. Factor H (fH) plays a vital role in restricting complement activation on host cells through interactions with polyanions such as heparin, while allowing activation to proceed on foreign surfaces. Complement activation by damaged host cells is also down regulated by fH, which is localized to injured areas through interactions with C-reactive protein (CRP). A number of pathogens have developed mechanisms by which they can also bind fH and thus exploit its protective properties. One such organism is Group A Streptococcus (GAS) which mediates fH binding via its surface expressed M-protein. fH consists of 20 conserved short consensus repeat (SCR) units and mutagenesis studies indicate that the seventh repeat is responsible for interactions with heparin, CRP and M-protein. We recently performed molecular modelling of fH SCR 7 and identified a cluster of positively charged residues on one face of the domain. By alanine replacement mutagenesis, we demonstrated that these residues are involved in heparin, CRP and M protein binding, which indicates that there is a common site within fH SCR 7 responsible for multiple ligand recognition.

Complement activation by apoptotic endothelial cells following hypoxia/reoxygenation.

Reperfusion of ischaemic tissue initiates an inflammatory reaction that increases tissue injury. Complement activation at the endothelium contributes to this inflammation. This study investigated the mechanism of complement activation following reoxygenation of hypoxic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) as a model for complement activation observed on endothelium in reperfused ischaemic tissue. HUVEC cultured in 1% oxygen followed by reoxygenation activated the classical complement pathway resulting in C3 deposition. There was an increase in apoptotic cells in these cultures that was demonstrated by binding of fluorescein isothiocyanate-Annexin V and staining for hypodiploid nuclei. To determine if apoptotic HUVEC activate complement, uniformly apoptotic cells were produced by serum and growth factor deprivation. These cells, but not the control HUVEC, activated the classical complement pathway in the absence of antibody or other serum factors. To determine if apoptotic cells in the reoxygenated cultures were activating complement, fluorescent analysis was done. Annexin V binding and C3d deposition on cells from reoxygenated cultures showed complete concordance on the subpopulation of apoptotic cells. In addition, complement activation following reoxygenation of HUVEC was eliminated by treatment of the cultures with a caspase inhibitor during reoxygenation. These results suggest that oxidative damage to endothelial cells during reoxygenation initiates apoptosis with exposure of phosphatidylserine. Apoptotic cells directly activate the classical pathway of complement by binding C1. Activation of complement at the endothelium may contribute to the inflammatory response as well as clearance and repair.

Serum amyloid P component and C-reactive protein mediate phagocytosis through murine Fc gamma Rs.

The pentraxins, serum amyloid P component (SAP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are acute-phase serum proteins in mice and humans, respectively. Although SAP binds to DNA and chromatin and affects clearance of these autoantigens, no specific receptor for SAP has been identified. CRP is an opsonin, and we have shown that it binds to FcgammaR. Mice deficient in FcgammaR were used to assess the role of these receptors in phagocytosis by pentraxins using zymosan as a ligand. Phagocytosis of zymosan by bone marrow macrophages (BMM) was enhanced by opsonization with SAP or CRP. BMM from mice deficient in all three FcgammaR or in gamma-chain ingested unopsonized zymosan, but phagocytosis of SAP- or CRP-opsonized zymosan was not enhanced. SAP binding to BMM from gamma-chain-deficient mice was also greatly reduced, indicating little or no binding of SAP to FcgammaRII. SAP and CRP opsonized zymosan for phagocytosis by BMM from mice deficient in FcgammaRII or FcgammaRIII. SAP, but not CRP, opsonized zymosan for uptake by neutrophils that express only low levels of FcgammaRI. Together these results indicate that FcgammaRI and FcgammaRIII are receptors for SAP in the mouse. Opsonization of zymosan by CRP is mediated through FcgammaRI. Pentraxins are major proteins of the innate immune system and arose earlier in evolution than Igs. The use of FcgammaR by the pentraxins links innate and adaptive immunity and may have important consequences for processing, presentation, and clearance of the self-Ags to which these proteins bind.

The role of C-reactive protein in the resolution of bacterial infection.

C-reactive protein is an acute phase protein in man and an important component of the innate immune system. C-reactive protein activates the classical pathway of complement, which is one of its main mechanisms in providing host defense. It has recently been recognized that C-reactive protein interacts with the cells of the immune system by binding to Fc gamma receptors. It may thus bridge the gap between innate and adaptive immunity and provide an early, effective antibacterial response. Furthermore, as it protects against the damaging inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide and cytokines, it may prevent the lethal side-effects of bacterial products. The recent identification of the interaction of C-reactive protein with Fc gamma receptors will lead to an enhanced understanding of C-reactive protein and its role in both the innate and acquired immune systems.

Cooperation between decay-accelerating factor and membrane cofactor protein in protecting cells from autologous complement attack.

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF or CD55) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP or CD46) function intrinsically in the membranes of self cells to prevent activation of autologous complement on their surfaces. How these two regulatory proteins cooperate on self-cell surfaces to inhibit autologous complement attack is unknown. In this study, a GPI-anchored form of MCP was generated. The ability of this recombinant protein and that of naturally GPI-anchored DAF to incorporate into cell membranes then was exploited to examine the combined functions of DAF and MCP in regulating complement intermediates assembled from purified alternative pathway components on rabbit erythrocytes. Quantitative studies with complement-coated rabbit erythrocyte intermediates constituted with each protein individually or the two proteins together demonstrated that DAF and MCP synergize the actions of each other in preventing C3b deposition on the cell surface. Further analyses showed that MCP's ability to catalyze the factor I-mediated cleavage of cell-bound C3b is inhibited in the presence of factors B and D and is restored when DAF is incorporated into the cells. Thus, the activities of DAF and MCP, when present together, are greater than the sum of the two proteins individually, and DAF is required for MCP to catalyze the cleavage of cell-bound C3b in the presence of excess factors B and D. These data are relevant to xenotransplantation, pharmacological inhibition of complement in inflammatory diseases, and evasion of tumor cells from humoral immune responses.

Structure/function studies of human decay-accelerating factor.

The decay-accelerating factor (DAF) contains four complement control protein repeats (CCPs) with a single N-linked glycan positioned between CCPs 1 and 2. In previous studies we found that the classical pathway regulatory activity of DAF resides in CCPs 2 and 3 while its alternative pathway regulatory activity resides in CCPs 2, 3 and 4. Molecular modelling of the protein predicted that a positively charged surface area on CCPs 2 and 3 (including KKK125-127) and nearby exposed hydrophobic residues (L147F148) on CCP3 may function as ligand-binding sites. To assess the roles of the N-linked glycan and the above two sets of amino acids in the function of DAF, we mutated N61 to Q, KKK125-127 to TTT and L147F148 to SS. Following expression of the mutated cDNAs in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored mutant proteins were affinity purified and their functions were assessed. In initial assays, the proteins were incorporated into sheep and rabbit erythrocytes and the effects of the mutations on regulation of classical and alternative C3 convertase activity were quantified by measuring C3b deposition. Since DAF also functions on C5 convertases, comparative haemolytic assays of cells bearing each mutant protein were performed. Finally, to establish if spatial orientation between DAF and the convertases on the cell surface played any role in the observed effects, fluid-phase C3a generation assays were performed. All three assays gave equivalent results and showed that the N-linked glycan of DAF is not involved in its regulatory function; that L147F148 in a hydrophobic area of CCP3 is essential in both classical and alternative pathway C3 convertase regulation; and that KKK125-127 in the positively charged pocket between CCPs 2 and 3 is necessary for the regulatory activity of DAF on the alternative pathway C3 convertase but plays a lesser role in its activity on the classical pathway enzyme.

C-reactive protein binding to FcgammaRIIa on human monocytes and neutrophils is allele-specific.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is involved in host defense, regulation of inflammation, and modulation of autoimmune disease. Although the presence of receptors for CRP on phagocytes has been inferred for years, their identity was determined only recently. FcgammaRIa, the high-affinity IgG receptor, binds CRP with low affinity, whereas FcgammaRIIa, the low-affinity IgG receptor, binds CRP with high affinity. Because the single nucleotide polymorphism in FcgammaRIIA - which encodes histidine or arginine at position 131 - strongly influences IgG2 binding, we determined this polymorphism's effect on CRP binding. CRP bound with high avidity to monocytes and neutrophils from FcgammaRIIA R-131 homozygotes, and binding was inhibited by the R-specific mAb 41H16. CRP showed decreased binding to cells from FcgammaRIIA H-131 homozygotes (which bind IgG2 with high affinity). However, IFN-gamma enhanced FcgammaRI expression by H-131 monocytes and increased CRP binding. FcgammaRIIa heterozygotes showed intermediate binding. CRP initiated increases in [Ca(2+)](i) in PMN from R-131, but not from H-131 homozygotes. These data provide direct genetic evidence for FcgammaRIIa as the functional, high-affinity CRP receptor on leukocytes while emphasizing the reciprocal relationship between IgG and CRP binding avidities. This counterbalance may affect the contribution of FcgammaRIIA alleles to host defense and autoimmunity.

C-reactive protein binding to murine leukocytes requires Fc gamma receptors.

Human C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein that binds to receptors on human and mouse leukocytes. We have recently determined that the high and low affinity receptors for CRP on human leukocytes are Fc gamma RIIa and Fc gamma RI, respectively. Previous work by others suggested that CRP receptors on mouse macrophages are distinct from Fc gamma R. We have taken advantage of the availability of mice deficient in one or more Fc gamma R to reexamine the role of Fc gamma R in CRP binding to mouse leukocytes. Three strains of Fc gamma R-deficient mice were examined: gamma-chain-deficient mice that lack Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIII, Fc gamma RII-deficient mice, and mice deficient in both gamma-chain and Fc gamma RII that lack all Fc gamma R. No binding of CRP was detected to leukocytes from double-deficient mice, indicating that Fc gamma R are required for CRP binding. CRP binding to leukocytes from gamma-chain-deficient and Fc gamma RII-deficient mice was reduced compared with binding to leukocytes from wild-type mice. Further analysis of CRP binding to macrophages, neutrophils, and lymphocytes provides direct evidence that Fc gamma RIIb1, Fc gamma RIIb2, and Fc gamma RI are the receptors for CRP on mouse leukocytes. These findings may have important implications in understanding the physiological function of CRP.

Role of complement in host defense against bacterial infection.

This short review will highlight three areas of current research on the role of complement in bacterial infection. These are i) the use of mice with targeted disruption of complement genes to study infectious disease models; ii) studies on the interactions between bacterial virulence factors and complement regulatory proteins; and iii) the description of a novel strategy by which mycobacteria promote complement activation and use complement receptors to gain entry into macrophages.

Mechanism of complement-dependent haemolysis via the lectin pathway: role of the complement regulatory proteins.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an acute phase protein which activates the classical complement pathway at the level of C4 and C2 via two novel serine proteases homologous to C1r and C1s. We recently reported that haemolysis via this lectin pathway requires alternative pathway amplification. The present experiments sought to establish the basis for this requirement, and hence focused on the activity and regulation of the C3 convertases. Complement activation was normalized between the lectin and classical pathways such that identical amounts of bound C4 and of haemolytically active C4,2 sites were present on the indicator cells. Under these conditions, there was markedly less haemolysis, associated with markedly less C3 and C5 deposited, via the lectin pathway than via the classical pathway, particularly when alternative pathway recruitment was blocked by depletion of factor D. Lectin pathway activation was associated with enhanced binding in the presence of MBL of complement control proteins C4bp and factor H to C4b and C3b, respectively, with decreased stability of the C3-converting enzyme C4b,2a attributable to C4bp. Immunodepletion of C4bp and/or factor H increased lectin pathway haemolysis and allowed lysis to occur in absence of the alternative pathway. Thus, the lectin pathway of humans is particularly susceptible to the regulatory effects of C4bp and factor H, due at least in part to MBL enhancement of C4bp binding to C4b and factor H binding to C3b.

Chromatin clearance in C57Bl/10 mice: interaction with heparan sulphate proteoglycans and receptors on Kupffer cells.

Chromatin is an important autoantigen in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as an immunogen and as a part of nephritogenic immune complexes. Earlier studies focused on clearance of DNA. However, DNA released into the circulation from dying cells is found associated with histones in nucleosomes. The liver is the major organ involved in clearance of chromatin from the circulation of mice. Heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG) have been implicated in the clearance of various charged molecules. Receptor-mediated clearance of ssDNA by the liver has also been reported. Because chromatin contains positively charged histones in addition to DNA, we wished to determine if HSPG and/or DNA receptors are involved in chromatin clearance. The rate of clearance of H1-stripped chromatin from the bloodstream of C57Bl/10 mice was markedly decreased by prior treatment of mice with Heparinase I. Clearance was also inhibited by heparin, heparan sulphate, and DNA, but not by colominic acid. DNA was the most effective inhibitor of clearance and released chromatin from sites of clearance. Depletion of Kupffer cells and splenic macrophages using liposome-encapsulated Clodronate (dichloromethylene bisphosphonate) markedly inhibited chromatin clearance. These data suggest that chromatin clearance is mediated by charge interactions with cell surface HSPG and by DNA receptors. Clearance and degradation of chromatin require functional macrophages in the liver and spleen.

The major receptor for C-reactive protein on leukocytes is fcgamma receptor II.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase serum protein that shares several functions with immunoglobulin (Ig)G including complement activation and binding to receptors on monocytes and neutrophils. The identity of the receptor for CRP has been the target of extensive research. We previously determined that CRP binds to the high affinity receptor for IgG, FcgammaRI (CD64). However, this interaction could not account for the majority of binding of CRP to neutrophils or monocytic cells. We now determine that CRP also interacts with FcgammaRIIa (CD32), the low affinity receptor for IgG on monocytes and neutrophils. COS-7 cells were transfected with a construct containing the human FcgammaRIIA cDNA. CRP binding and the presence of CD32 were detected by mAb and analyzed by two-color flow cytometry. Cells expressing CD32 bound CRP in a dose-dependent and saturable manner consistent with receptor binding. CRP bound to transfectants and K-562 cells with similar kinetics, and in both cases binding was completely inhibited by aggregated IgG. On monocytic cell lines, treatment with Bt(2)cAMP increased FcgammaRII expression and enhanced CRP binding. CRP also specifically precipitated FcgammaRI and FcgammaRII from the monocytic cell line, THP-1. It is suggested that the major receptor for CRP on phagocytic cells is FcgammaRII.

Regulation of complement activation by C-reactive protein.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase serum protein and a mediator of innate immunity. CRP binds to microbial polysaccharides and to ligands exposed on damaged cells. Binding of CRP to these substrates activates the classical complement pathway leading to their uptake by phagocytic cells. Complement activation by CRP is restricted to C1, C4, C2 and C3 with little consumption of C5-9. Surface bound CRP reduces deposition of and generation of C5b-9 by the alternative pathway and deposition of C3b and lysis by the lectin pathway. These activities of CRP are the result of recruitment of factor H resulting in regulation of C3b on bacteria or erythrocytes. Evidence is presented for direct binding of H to CRP. H binding to CRP or C3b immobilized on microtiter wells was demonstrated by ELISA. Attachment of CRP to a surface was required for H binding. H binding to CRP was not inhibited by EDTA or phosphocholine, which inhibit ligand binding, but was inhibited by a 13 amino acid CRP peptide. The peptide sequence was identical to the region of CRP that showed the best alignment to H binding peptides from Streptococcus pyogenes (M6) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Por1A). The results suggest that CRP bound to a surface provides secondary binding sites for H resulting in greater regulation of alternative pathway amplification and C5 convertases. Complement activation by CRP may help limit the inflammatory response by providing opsonization with minimal generation of C5a and C5b-9.

Complement regulation in innate immunity and the acute-phase response: inhibition of mannan-binding lectin-initiated complement cytolysis by C-reactive protein (CRP).

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is an acute-phase protein which activates complement at the level of C4 and C2. We recently reported that the alternative pathway also is required for haemolysis via this 'lectin pathway' in human serum. CRP is another acute-phase reactant which activates the classical pathway, but CRP also inhibits the alternative pathway on surfaces to which it binds. Since serum levels of both proteins generally increase with inflammation and tissue necrosis, it was of interest to determine the effect of CRP on cytolysis via the lectin pathway. We report here that although CRP increases binding of C4 to MBL-sensitized erythrocytes, which in turn enhances lectin pathway haemolysis, it inhibits MBL-initiated cytolysis by its ability to inhibit the alternative pathway. This inhibition is characterized by increased binding of complement control protein H and decreased binding of C3 and C5 to the indicator cells, which in turn is attributable to the presence of CRP. Immunodepletion of H leads to greatly enhanced cytolysis via the lectin pathway, and this cytolysis is no longer inhibited by CRP. These results indicate that CRP regulates MBL-initiated cytolysis on surfaces to which both proteins bind by modulating alternative pathway recruitment through H, pointing to CRP as a complement regulatory protein, and suggesting a co-ordinated role for these proteins in complement activation in innate immunity and the acute-phase response.

Inflammatory potential of C-reactive protein complexes compared to immune complexes.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase serum protein that binds to phosphocholine (PC) and to components of damaged tissue. CRP resembles antibody in that it binds to ligands and activates the classical complement pathway. To compare the processing of CRP complexes to that of IgG complexes, we have prepared complexes containing the same ligand, PC-conjugated BSA, and IgG antibody to either BSA or CRP. We previously demonstrated similar complement-mediated binding of these complexes to erythrocyte complement receptors. CRP and IgG also bind to receptors on neutrophils (PMN), providing another possible pathway for clearance of ligands. PMN binding of IgG complexes can lead to activation with damaging inflammatory consequences. In the present report we have used CRP and IgG complexes containing PC-BSA to compare binding to PMN and activation of PMN adherence to endothelial cells. The results indicate that CRP complexes do not activate PMN whereas IgG complexes do. Binding assays indicate that there is substantially greater binding of IgG than CRP complexes to PMN.

Complementary recognition of alternative pathway activators by decay-accelerating factor and factor H.

The alternative complement pathway (ACP) functions as a surveillance mechanism by which microorganisms are opsonized with C3b in the absence of specific antibodies. The effectiveness of the ACP relies on its ability to distinguish self from non-self. This recognition function is mediated by C3 regulatory proteins including serum factor H, membrane cofactor protein (MCP), and membrane decay-accelerating factor (DAF). H activity against bound C3b can be increased by host components such as sialic acid and decreased by microbial polysaccharides. DAF and MCP may also recognize cell surface changes such as the presence of viral glycoproteins, since some virus-infected and tumor cells activate the ACP. In the present study, liposomes containing wild-type and mutant Salmonella minnesota lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were tested for ACP activation in serum. LPS-containing liposomes with bound C3b were then tested for their susceptibility to C3 convertase regulation by H and membrane DAF and for the sensitivity of their bound C3b to the cofactor activity of H. The results indicate that while the shortest mutant, Re595 LPS, did not induce ACP activation, R7 LPS containing an additional disaccharide did. This activation was poorly regulated by DAF but was inhibited by H. The regulatory activity of H for liposome-bound C3b, however, decreased when LPS of greater polysaccharide size was present in the membrane. In contrast the ACP activation induced by the phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine was effectively inhibited by DAF but only poorly inhibited by H.

Quantitative analysis of C4Ab and C4Bb binding to the C3b/C4b receptor (CR1, CD35).

Complement-dependent clearance of immune complexes in humans is dependent on the activation and binding of the early components of the classical complement cascade. This prevents immune complex precipitation and promotes binding of the complexes by the C4b/C3b complement receptor CR1 (CD35) found on erythrocytes. The fourth component of human complement is encoded by two closely linked genes within the MHC. These genes give rise to the isotypic forms C4A and C4B, and recent studies suggest that CR1 binds activated C4A (C4Ab) to a greater extent than activated C4B (C4Bb). To study this difference in a more quantitative way the binding reactions between CR1 and C4Ab- and C4Bb-coated immune complexes and between CR1 and soluble dimers of C4Ab (C4Ab2) and C4Bb (C4Bb2) were analysed using the native receptor on human erythrocytes. The binding reaction between immune complexes with equivalent amounts of covalently bound C4Ab or C4Bb and erythrocyte CR1 showed a two-fold higher binding of complexes coated with C4A. Furthermore, erythrocyte CR1 bound C4Ab2 with an apparent four-fold higher affinity (Kd approximately 1.4 x 10(-7) M) than C4Bb2 (Kd approximately 4.8 x 10(-7) M), indicating a preferential binding of CR1 for C4A.

Complement-dependent binding of C-reactive protein complexes to human erythrocyte CR1.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase serum protein that binds to phosphocholine (PC) on phospholipids and polysaccharides and to protein components of chromatin and small nuclear ribonucleoproteins. Complexes between CRP and ligands activate complement and bind to receptors on phagocytic cells. Although complement is required for CRP-mediated clearance or phagocytosis of ligand-coated erythrocytes, the participation of complement and complement receptors in clearance of soluble CRP complexes has not been examined. We have used PC-conjugated BSA to prepare complexes containing either IgG antibody or CRP. We found similar complement-mediated binding of both types of complexes to human erythrocyte complement receptors (CR1, CD35). We also found that serum deficient in C4A or C4B supported binding of CRP and IgG complexes to erythrocytes. These findings indicate that complexes between CRP and soluble ligands may be cleared by the erythrocyte CR1 pathway described for soluble immune complexes.

Localization of classical and alternative pathway regulatory activity within the decay-accelerating factor.

Decay-accelerating factor (DAF) is a cell-associated C regulatory protein that protects host cells from autologous C attack. It functions intrinsically in host cell surface membranes to rapidly dissociate autologous classical and alternative pathway C3 convertases whenever these amplifying enzymes assemble on host cell surfaces. It is composed of four contiguous approximately 70 amino acid long regions termed short consensus repeats (SCRs) that share homology with similar units in other C3 convertase regulatory proteins. It is attached to the cell surface membrane by a glycoinositol phospholipid (GPI) anchor that is added posttranslationally. In this study, we prepared rGPI-anchored DAF proteins devoid of individual SCRs. We then incorporated the GPI-anchored products into sheep erythrocyte (Esh) hemolytic intermediates and examined their abilities to intrinsically regulate classical or alternative pathway activation. We found that classical pathway C3 convertase regulatory function resides within SCR-2 and SCR-3, while alternative pathway C3 convertase regulatory function resides within SCR-2, -3, and -4. Functional comparisons of the variant DAF proteins in fluid phase C3 activation assays established that the differences reflect domain-specific interactions rather than changes in the spatial arrangement of SCRs above the cell surface. In accordance with these findings, we found that variant DAF molecules containing SCR-1, -2, and -3, but not SCR-4, function to selectively inhibit classical pathway activation.