C8B

This gene encodes one of the three subunits of the complement component 8 (C8) protein. C8 is composed of equimolar amounts of alpha, beta and gamma subunits, which are encoded by three separate genes. C8 is one component of the membrane attack complex, which mediates cell lysis, and it initiates membrane penetration of the complex. This protein mediates the interaction of C8 with the C5b-7 membrane attack complex precursor. In humans deficiency of this protein is associated with increased risk of meningococcal infections. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants.

Complement C8 beta chain

Constituent of the membrane attack complex (MAC) that plays a key role in the innate and adaptive immune response by forming pores in the plasma membrane of target cells.

Complement activation Source: Reactome
Complement activation, alternative pathway Source: UniProtKB-KW
Complement activation, classical pathway Source: UniProtKB-KW
Cytolysis Source: UniProtKB-KW
Immune response Source: ProtInc
Regulation of complement activation Source: Reactome

Secreted

Complement component 8 deficiency, 2 (C8D2): A rare defect of the complement classical pathway associated with susceptibility to severe recurrent infections, predominantly by Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Neisseria meningitidis.

N-glycosylated; contains one or two bound glycans. Not O-glycosylated.