AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -(1) A pathogen coated in C3b binds to complement receptor 1 (CR1) expressed on the surface of phagocytes (including APCs). These cells then easily engulf and destroy the invader. The C3b is said to be acting as an opsonin in this case because it enhances the ability of an entity to be phagocytosed.

Detailed explanation-2: -The human C3b receptor (CR1) is a polymorphic glycoprotein which functions regulating the complement system by inhibiting the activation of C3 and C5, through its effect on their convertases, and serving as cofactor for factor I in mediating the degradation of C3b to its inactive fragment C3bi and further to C3d-g.

Detailed explanation-3: -C3b is the larger of two elements formed by the cleavage of complement component 3, and is considered an important part of the innate immune system. C3b is potent in opsonization: tagging pathogens, immune complexes (antigen-antibody), and apoptotic cells for phagocytosis.

Detailed explanation-4: -C3b is a constituent of the alternative pathway C3 convertase (C3bBb), binds multiple regulators, and receptors, affecting thus the functioning of the immune system. The activated forms of C3 are a target for autoantibodies.