The Complement System
Although C5a is the primary complement chemoattractant, other complement proteins also act as chemotactic factors for specific cell types. C3a induces chemotaxis of basophils, eosinophils, and mast cells while C1q is a chemoattractant for dendritic cells.
Is chemotaxis part of the complement system?
The principal function of the complement system is protection of the host from infection/inflammation by recruiting (chemotaxis) and enhancing phagocytosis by innate immune cells (opsonisation), leading to lysis of the target cells.
What do C3a and C5a do?
C3a works with C5a to activate mast cells, recruit antibody, complement and phagocytic cells and increase fluid in the tissue, all of which contribute to the initiation of the adaptive immune response.
