Rapid three-step purification procedure for isolation of the C1q component of human complement and its use in a solid-phase C1q binding assay

A new procedure for the isolation of the C1q subcomponent of complement from human sera has been devised. The 3-step protocol employs DEAE Sephadex A-50, hydroxyapatite and Sephacryl S-200 chromatographies and can be performed within 9 h. It yields immunoglobulin-free homogeneous C1q protein with about 80% recovery. The isolated C1q protein is biologically active and may be used for the detection of circulating immune complexes in sera by the solid-phase C1q binding assay.