Synthesis of C3, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9 by human fibroblasts.

We investigated the ability of human fibroblasts to produce the components of the final common pathway (C3-C9) of complement in vitro by co-culturing an alternative complement activator (agarose beads) with the cells. The test system involved incubation of beads with anti-complement antibodies followed by radioactive-labelled anti-Ig detection antibodies. Subsequently, the beads were examined in a radioimmunoassay. Our results indicate that human fibroblasts produce C3, C5, C6, C7, C8, and C9. A neoepitope selectively expressed on activated C9 was detected, indicating assembly of the terminal complement complex and thus formation of a functional terminal complement pathway by the fibroblasts.