Identification of the beta-endorphin-binding subunit of the SC5b-9 complement complex: S protein exhibits specific beta-endorphin-binding sites upon complex formation with complement proteins

Beta-Endorphin has been reported to specifically interact with SC5b-9 complement complexes via non-opioid binding sites. Covalent cross-linking of [125I]beta H-endorphin to SC5b-9 and analysis of the cross-linking products by gel electrophoresis and subsequent autoradiography revealed a single specifically labelled species which was identical with the S protein subunit of the complement complex. In contrast to SC5b-9, no cross-linking of labelled beta-endorphin to subunits of C5b-9(m) could be observed, indicating that beta-endorphin binding to SC5b-9 was mediated exclusively via S protein. Beta-Endorphin binding to SC5b-9 was compared with binding to purified S protein. Whereas beta-endorphin binding to purified S protein was only modest, complex formation of S protein with complement proteins led to a strong increase in beta-endorphin-binding site concentration, compatible with the exposure of primarily cryptic beta-endorphin-binding sites on S protein.