F
IPR050473

Alpha-2-macroglobulin/Complement system
AI

InterPro entry
This entry contains information that has been generated using an AI language model. Please exercise discretion when interpreting the information provided.
Short nameA2M/Complement_sys
AI
Overlapping
homologous
superfamilies
 

Description

AI-generatedUnreviewed
The alpha-2-macroglobulin family includes protease inhibitors that use a unique 'trapping' mechanism to inhibit all four classes of proteinases. Members contain a bait region with specific cleavage sites for different proteinases. Upon cleavage, a conformational change traps the proteinase, reducing its activity against high molecular weight substrates while remaining active against smaller substrates. A thioester bond is hydrolyzed post-cleavage, allowing covalent binding to the proteinase. Some family members play roles in the immune response by binding pathogens and mediating clearance through lysis or melanization. Others are involved in the complement system, acting as non-enzymatic components of C3 and C5 convertases, or as mediators of local inflammatory processes. The family also includes complement components that are central to the complement system activation and function in chronic inflammation as chemoattractants for neutrophils.
Contributing Member Database Entry
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