What does DAF stand for?

DAF stands for Decay Accelerating Factor. This protein is an important regulator in the immune system, particularly in the context of complement activation. Specifically, DAF helps prevent the formation of the membrane attack complex by accelerating the decay of the C3 and C5 convertases in the complement cascade. By inhibiting the activation of the complement system on host cells, DAF plays a crucial role in protecting cells from being damaged by the complement-mediated lysis. Its function is vital for maintaining self-tolerance and preventing autoimmune reactions, illustrating the protein's importance in immune regulation.