The binding spectra of carp C3 isotypes against natural targets independent of the binding specificity of their thioester

The central component of complement, C3, plays a versatile role in innate immune defense of vertebrates and some invertebrates. A notable molecular characteristic of this component is an intra-chain thioester site that enables C3 to bind covalently to its target. It has been reported that the binding preference of the thioester to hydroxyl or amino groups is primarily defined by presence or absence of the catalytic histidine residue at position 1126 in human C3. In teleosts, a unique C3 (non-His type) has been found, in addition to the common His type C3. These distinct C3 isoforms may provide diversity in the target-binding attributable to the different binding specificities of their thioesters. In the present study, we examine the hypothesized correlation of the catalytic histidine with the binding spectra of two major C3 isotypes of carp towards various model and natural targets. The results reveal that non-His type C3, rather than His type C3, has a wider range of binding spectrum, despite the binding specificity of its thioester being limited to amino groups. It is therefore hypothesized that the binding spectra of C3 isotypes are not defined by the binding specificity of the thioester but is more affected by differences in microbe-associated molecular patterns that activate complement. Overall, the present data imply that non-His type C3 plays a significant role against bacterial infections in the fish defense system.

► Two monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that are specific to carp C3-H1 or C3-S were successfully established.
► C3 deposition assay utilizing these MAbs revealed distinct binding preferences between C3-H1 and C3-S against natural targets.
► The binding spectra of C3 isotypes was not defined by the binding specificity of their thioester, rather affected by microbe-associated molecular patterns.
► C3-S, unique type C3 may play an essential role in the teleost defense system.