Complement Component 7

Complement component 7 (C7) is a terminal-pathway glycoprotein that couples C5b-6 formation to membrane attack complex insertion. Structurally, C7 resembles C6 and C9 in containing thrombospondin type 1, LDL-receptor class A, and EGF-like modules, with a key amphipathic domain that, after C7 binds the C5b-6 complex, unfolds and penetrates the lipid bilayer to anchor the growing MAC. C7 then recruits C8, which initiates polymerization of C9. Congenital C7 deficiency is among the better-characterized terminal complement defects and, like C5 through C9 deficiencies, markedly increases the risk of recurrent Neisseria meningitidis infection, particularly in genetically susceptible populations.