CD59

CD59, also known as membrane attack complex inhibition factor (MACIF), Protectin, 1F5 antigen, HRF-20 and MIRL. CD59 has been identified as a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored membrane protein that acts as an inhibitor of the formation of the membrane attack complex to regulate complement activation. 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.