The alternative pathway is tightly regulated to prevent damage to host tissues. Several factors are involved in this regulation:
Factor H and Factor I: These proteins inactivate C3b, preventing the formation of C3 convertase. Decay-Accelerating Factor (DAF): This membrane-bound protein accelerates the decay of C3 convertase, protecting host cells from complement-mediated damage. Membrane Cofactor Protein (MCP): This protein acts as a cofactor for Factor I, facilitating the inactivation of C3b on host cell surfaces.
