Which antibody groups are capable of binding complement?

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Multiple Choice

Which antibody groups are capable of binding complement?

Complement binding by antibodies hinges on antibody type and how readily it activates the classical pathway. IgM antibodies are especially proficient at fixing complement because their pentameric structure presents many binding sites to recruit C1q and kick off the cascade. Antibodies against the MNSs antigens are classically IgM and are well known for efficiently activating and binding complement on the red cell surface, which is why they’re highlighted as capable of binding complement. In many other common systems (like ABO, Lewis, Kidd, I, P), the clinically relevant antibodies are often IgG or do not fix complement as reliably in vivo, so they’re not the classic example of complement-binding antibodies. Thus, the antibody groups most characteristically capable of complement binding among the options are the MNSs system.

Complement binding by antibodies hinges on antibody type and how readily it activates the classical pathway. IgM antibodies are especially proficient at fixing complement because their pentameric structure presents many binding sites to recruit C1q and kick off the cascade. Antibodies against the MNSs antigens are classically IgM and are well known for efficiently activating and binding complement on the red cell surface, which is why they’re highlighted as capable of binding complement. In many other common systems (like ABO, Lewis, Kidd, I, P), the clinically relevant antibodies are often IgG or do not fix complement as reliably in vivo, so they’re not the classic example of complement-binding antibodies. Thus, the antibody groups most characteristically capable of complement binding among the options are the MNSs system.

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