Complement is an essential component of the immune system where it forms a first line of defense against infections but also supports the elimination of our dead cells. Complement activation induces formation of large intricate enzymes called convertases. These enzymes couple proteins to the complement activating pathogen or dying cell and thereby enable their uptake (phagocytosis) by our immune cells through their surface receptors.

Scientists have obtained static 3D structures of complement protein to understand the details of this immune response. But information regarding what happens in between these endpoints is lacking. In the project, scientists will create a movie by filming single molecules with a fast camera. This will reveal how complement proteins change their structure and how fast this happens. This knowledge will generate an improved foundation for development of new complement binding molecules that can control excessive complement activation and inflammation.