Human Cd59 Glycoprotein, CD59 ELI

Potent inhibitor of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) action.

Acts by binding to the C8 and/or C9 complements of the assembling MAC, thereby preventing incorporation of the multiple copies of C9 required for complete formation of the osmolytic pore.

This inhibitor appears to be species-specific.

Involved in signal transduction for T-cell activation complexed to a protein tyrosine kinase.

The soluble form from urine retains its specific complement binding activity, but exhibits greatly reduced ability to inhibit MAC assembly on cell membranes.