The third complement factor (C3) and its in vivo cleavage products: interaction with lectins and precipitation with polyethylene glycol.

Five molecular forms of C3 expressing D but not C epitopes were identified following in vivo activation of the complement system. Examination of concanavalin A (Con-A) reactivity in crossed immunoelectrophoresis revealed that native C3, C3c and the beta mobile form 4 of C3d were completely precipitated by 100 micrograms Con A/cm2. The alpha-1 mobile form 1 of C3d did not interact with Con A, whereas the alpha-2 mobile forms 2 and 3 were retarded in electrophoretic migration by Con A. Native C3, C3c, and forms 4 and 5 of C3d were precipitated by 12% (w/v) polyethylene glycol (PEG). Form 1 of C3d was soluble in these PEG concentrations, whereas forms 2 and 3 were partially precipitated.