Figure 1

Model for C3a generation in individuals with asthma. C3 may be secreted from pulmonary resident cells (e.g. epithelial cells and macrophages) or derived from plasma leakage. Antibody (IgG) present in the serum of sensitized individual can form a complex with allergen to activate complement via the classical pathway. Proteases derived from allergen or released from activated mast cells are able to cleave C3 to generate C3a. Activation of alternative or the lectin pathway on the allergen together with factors B, H, and I and properdin released resident cells may generate C3a.