S-protein/vitronectin interaction with the C5b and the C8 of the complement membrane attack complex.

S-protein/vitronectin participates in the regulation of complement-mediated lysis by incorporating into the membrane attack complex C5b-9. Subsequently, soluble SC5b-7 and SC5b-9 macromolecules are not inserted into the membrane lipid bilayer nor induce lytic pore formation. Using a dot blot binding assay, it was determined that soluble S-protein/vitronectin interacted with immobilized C5b and C8 among the five separately immobilized components (C5b, C6, C7, C8, C9) of the membrane attack complex. Those interactions imply a new model of the formation of the complement membrane attack complex and its regulation by S-protein/vitronectin.