The structure and role of CR1 complement receptor in physiology

CR1 (Complement Receptor type 1, C3bR, CD35) is a polymorphic glycoprotein expressed on erythrocytes, leukocytes and glomerular podocytes. It consists of extracellular, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. Soluble form of CR1 (sCR1), lacking the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains, is present in serum. CR1 belongs to the Regulator of Complement Activation (RCA) family, which is characterized by the appearance of small consensus repeats (SCR). Gene for CR1 is localized on chromosome 1q32. Polymorphism of erythrocyte CR1 is connected with the difference in length of molecule (molecular weight), level of the expression of CR1 (number of receptors) on red blood cells and the Knops blood group antigens. CR1 is a receptor for C3b and C4b and plays an important role in the removal of immune complexes coated with C3b and C4b. It also regulates the complement cascade activation by preventing formation of classical and alternative pathway convertases and by acting as a cofactor for factor I mediated cleavage of C3b to iC3b, C3c i C3dg. CR1 takes part in pathogenesis and development of various autoimmune and infection diseases.