C9 is a plasma protein synthesized in the liver and monocytes consisting of a single polypeptide chain. C9 is a part of the membrane attack complex (MAC), an important component of the immune system. The MAC forms upon complement system activation by invading pathogenic bacteria and consists of the four major complement proteins: C5b, C6, C7 and C8. These complement proteins bind to the outer surface of the plasma membrane of the invading cell. C9 binds to the membrane associated C5b-8 protein, which leads to the circular polymerization of 12-18 C9 molecules. These polymerized C9 molecules form a ring structure in the membrane. Molecules can then diffuse freely through this transmembrane channel, causing cell lysis and destruction of the invading bacterial cell.
