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Membrane Attack Complex Formation

The Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) is a terminal component of the complement system formed through convergent pathways where C5b recruits C6, C7, C8, and multiple C9 subunits to create a transmembrane pore in target cell membranes. This mechanism induces osmotic lysis by disrupting membrane integrity, allowing water influx that leads to cellular swelling and rupture regardless of whether the cascade was initiated via classical or alternative pathways involving specific serine proteases like C3 convertase and C5 convertase.