PRODUCTION OF COMPLEMENT CLEAVAGE PRODUCT, C3A, BY ACTIVATED MACROPHAGES AND ITS TUMOROLYTIC EFFECTS

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  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 31  (3) , 512-517
Abstract
Mouse peritoneal macrophages were activated in serum-free culture with [Escherichia coli] lipopolysaccharide, dextran sulfate or C3b [b fragment of complement component 3]. They liberated into the culture medium a cytolytic factor and a factor which was pharmacologically indistinguishable from C3a. The cytolytic activity was neutralized by antiserum against C3a. Macrophages can apparently be activated by C3b (or agents that generate C3b) to cleave C3, which they themselves produce. In this way the activated macrophages form C3a, which appears to be a major factor in macrophage-mediated cytolysis. These findings have implications in tumor immunity and in the pathogenesis of inflammatory reactions.