Complement components C3, C4, and Bf in six nonhuman primate species.

The extent of cross reactivity between antisera to human complement proteins [the third (C3) and fourth (C4) components and factor B (Bf)] and these proteins in the sera of six species of nonhuman primates was examined. Strong cross reactivity was found with these antisera and the specific complement proteins from rhesus monkeys, stumptailed macaques, cynomolgus macaques, patas monkeys, African green monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. Although molecular differences were apparent as indicated by differences in antigenic determinants and electrophoretic mobility, the antisera developed against human C3, C4, and Bf could be used to identify and to characterize these proteins in the nonhuman primate species examined.