The Terminal Complement Complex (TCC), also called C5b-9 or the Membrane Attack Complex (MAC), is the final product of the complement cascade. It forms a pore in the membrane of target cells, leading to lysis and cell death. Measurement of TCC provides a direct readout of terminal complement pathway activation, reflecting the cumulative activity of all upstream complement components, rather than the level of a single protein. Both soluble (sC5b-9) and membrane-bound forms can be detected, offering insight into systemic versus localized complement activation.
In research settings, TCC is widely used as a biomarker to study complement-mediated tissue injury, inflammation, and immune response dynamics. It helps investigators evaluate the role of complement activation in disease models such as autoimmune disorders, infections, or ischemia-reperfusion injury. Researchers also use TCC measurements to assess the efficacy of complement-targeted therapies, as reductions in TCC levels indicate inhibition of terminal pathway activity.
In clinical settings, TCC serves as a key biomarker for complement activation-related disorders. Elevated levels of soluble TCC are associated with conditions such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and other complement-mediated inflammatory or autoimmune diseases. Detecting membrane-bound TCC in tissues can help diagnose antibody-mediated transplant rejection or complement-driven tissue injury. Measuring TCC, particularly alongside functional and quantitative complement assays, provides a comprehensive evaluation of complement system activity and guides treatment strategies.
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