IDENTIFICATION OF THE COMPONENTS OF COMPLEMENT PARTICIPATING IN THE ANTIGLOBULIN REACTION

Abstract

Red cells sensitized with a complement-binding antibody and then incubated with fresh serum have been shown to be coated with β_1C and β_1E globulin, two components of the complement system that have been isolated recently. Red cells presumably in the state EAC′_1,4 reacted with anti-β_1E, and cells presumably in the state EAC′_1,4,2,3a reacted with anti β_1E and with anti-β_1C. Agglutination of complement-coated cells by `broad spectrum' antiglobulin sera was effectively inhibited by purified β_1E and β_1C globulin. Red cells from certain patients with acquired haemolytic anaemia were found to be coated in vivo with β_1E and β_1C globulin. The function and significance of the two serum components have been discussed.