Factor D

Factor D is a small serine protease that acts as the rate-limiting enzyme of the alternative complement pathway. Unusually, it circulates in an already active form and displays high specificity for a single physiological substrate: factor B, which it cleaves only when B is bound to C3b, generating the C3bBb convertase. The mature enzyme is released mainly by adipocytes, linking complement to metabolism. Because factor D controls the amplification loop, it is a prime drug target, and small-molecule inhibitors such as danicopan are used clinically to curb complement-driven hemolysis. Recombinant factor D supports convertase reconstitution and inhibitor screening.