Background information
The human complement subcomponent C1q associates with C1r and C1s in order to yield the first component of the serum complement system (SCS). The SCS contains over 30 glycoproteins that influence physiological mechanisms of the body in response to immune complex (the classical pathway), carbohydrate (the lectin pathway) or bacterial (alternative pathway) initiation. C1q binding protein (C1QBP), also designated gC1q-R, p32 (p33) or HABP1 (hyaluronan-binding protein 1), is known to bind the globular heads of C1q molecules and inhibit C1 activation. C1QBP has been described as a complement receptor for C1q on B cells, neutrophils and mast cells. The C1QBP protein may form homodimers. C1QBP is expressed in vascular endothelial cells and has been found to be a multifunctional protein interacting with elements of complement, coagulation and kinin systems. In addition, C1QBP is a subunit of pre-mRNA splicing factor SF2/ASF.