C3 plays a central role in the activation of the complement system. Its processing by C3 convertase is the central reaction in both classical and alternative complement pathways. After activation C3b can bind covalently, via its reactive thioester, to cell surface carbohydrates or immune aggregates (By similarity). Derived from proteolytic degradation of complement C3, C3a anaphylatoxin is a mediator of local inflammatory process. It induces the contraction of smooth muscle, increases vascular permeability and causes histamine release from mast cells and basophilic leukocytes. In chronic inflammation, acts as a chemoattractant for neutrophils (By similarity). Acts as a chemoattractant for neutrophils in chronic inflammation. Adipogenic hormone that stimulates triglyceride (TG) synthesis and glucose transport in adipocytes, regulating fat storage and playing a role in postprandial TG clearance. Appears to stimulate TG synthesis via activation of the PLC, MAPK and AKT signaling pathways. Ligand for C5AR2. Promotes the phosphorylation, ARRB2-internalization and recycling of C5AR2 (By similarity). C3 precursor is first processed by the removal of 4 Arg residues, forming two chains, beta and alpha, linked by a disulfide bond. C3 convertase activates C3 by cleaving the alpha chain, releasing C3a anaphylatoxin and generating C3b (beta chain + alpha' chain). Forms the pro-C3-convertase enzyme complex by binding to Complement factor B Bb fragment (Bb), which is then stabilized by binding CFP, allowing the complex to become active (By similarity). The interaction with Bb is dependent on Mg2+ (By similarity). C3b interacts with CR1 (via Sushi 8 and Sushi 9 domains). C3b interacts with CFH. C3d interacts with CFH. C3dg interacts with CR2 (via the N-terminal Sushi domains 1 and 2). During pregnancy, C3dg exists as a complex (probably a 2:2:2 heterohexamer) with AGT and the proform of PRG2. Interacts with VSIG4. Interacts with S.aureus immunoglobulin-binding protein sbi, this prevents interaction between C3dg and CR2. Interacts with S.aureus fib. Interacts (both C3a and ASP) with C5AR2; the interaction occurs with higher affinity for ASP, enhancing the phosphorylation and activation of C5AR2, recruitment of ARRB2 to the cell surface and endocytosis of GRP77. (Microbial infection) Interacts with BHV-1 GLYCOPROTEIN C. C3b is rapidly split in two positions by factor I and a cofactor to form iC3b (inactivated C3b) and C3f which is released. Then iC3b is slowly cleaved (possibly by factor I) to form C3c (beta chain + alpha' chain fragment 1 + alpha' chain fragment 2), C3dg and C3f. Other proteases produce other fragments such as C3d or C3g. C3a is further processed by carboxypeptidases to release the C-terminal arginine residue generating the acylation stimulating protein (ASP). Levels of ASP are increased in adipocytes in the postprandial period and by dietary chylomicrons (By similarity). Phosphorylated by FAM20C in the extracellular medium.