The complement pathway is a critical mechanism for eliminating microbes, and is comprised of more than 30 proteins that are constitutively produced. Many of these proteins are synthesized as inactive pro-enzymes, and become active proteases when they are cleaved by an upstream member of the complement cascade. Importantly, the initiation of the complement cascade does not rely on the presence of antimicrobial antibodies, as:. 1. any antibody can activate the complement cascade, regardless of whether it has bound the pathogen 2. complement activation will induce antibody production 3. antibody-independent pathways of complement activation rely on complement components that directly bind to microbial surfaces 4. the pathway can still induce inflammation even in the absence of initiating signals to activate the complement cascade