The C8B gene provides instructions for making one piece, the beta subunit, of a protein complex called complement component 8. To form this complex, the beta subunit interacts with another piece made up of the alpha subunit (produced from the C8A gene) and the gamma subunit (produced from the C8G gene), which are linked.
Complement component 8 aids in a part of the body’s immune response known as the complement system. The complement system is a group of proteins that work together to destroy foreign invaders, trigger inflammation, and remove debris from cells and tissues. Complement component 8 combines with several other complement proteins to form the membrane attack complex (MAC), which inserts itself in the outer membrane of bacterial cells. This complex creates a hole (pore) in the membrane, which kills the bacterium. This part of the immune response appears to be especially important for fighting infection by bacteria in the Neisseria genus.
Other Names
C82; complement component 8 subunit beta; complement component 8, beta polypeptide; complement component C8 beta chain isoform 1 preproprotein; complement component C8 beta chain isoform 2; complement component C8 beta chain isoform 3
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 732
- OMIM: 120960
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
