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Complement system confusion

4K views 2 replies 2 participants last post by  mutant 
#1 ·
Which pathway is activated by immune-complexes - Alternative or classical pathway? Can anyone make it easy, I don't understand this concept?
 
#3 ·
Here is what I have read in Goljan,

1. IgA nephropathy - Mesangial IgA IC* deposits; ICs activate alternative complement pathway.

2. Post-streptococcal GN - subepithelial IC deposits; ICs activate alternative complement pathway.

3. Diffuse proliferative GN - subendothelial IC deposits; DNA-anti-DNA ICs activate classical complement pathway.

Why first two activate alternative pathway and third one activates classical pathway? What is the mechanism here?

IC = immune complex

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