Analysis of Factor D Isoforms in Malpuech–Michels–Mingarelli–Carnevale Patients Highlights the Role of MASP-3 as a Maturase in the Alternative Pathway of Complement

Abstract excerpt

Abstract Factor D (FD), which is also known as adipsin, is regarded as the first-acting protease of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement. It has been suggested that FD is secreted as a mature enzyme that does not require subsequent activation. This view was challenged when it was shown that mice lacking mannose-binding lectin (MBL)–associated serine protease-1 (MASP-1) and MASP-3 contain zymogenic FD...