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Alternative complement pathway
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<p>The alternative pathway is a type of <a href="/facts/Cascade_reaction/lWpMYkLM">cascade reaction</a> of the <a href="/facts/Complement_system/vRSrQDUv">complement system</a> and is a component of the <a href="/facts/Innate_immune_system/lz4BpSQI">innate immune system</a>, a natural defense against infections. </p><p>The alternative pathway is one of three complement pathways that <a href="/facts/Opsonize/wKPBjS1t">opsonize</a> and kill pathogens. The pathway is triggered when the C3b protein directly binds a <a href="/facts/Microorganism/pysJYcE2">microbe</a>. It can also be triggered by foreign materials and damaged tissues. </p>