Controls the classical pathway of complement activation. It binds as a cofactor to C3b/C4b inactivator (C3bINA), which then hydrolyzes the complement fragment C4b. It also accelerates the degradation of the C4bC2a complex (C3 convertase) by dissociating the complement fragment C2a. Alpha chain binds C4b. It interacts also with anticoagulant protein S and with serum amyloid P component. Disulfide-linked complex of alpha and beta chains of 3 possible sorts: a 570 kDa complex of 7 alpha chains and 1 beta chain, a 530 kDa homoheptamer of alpha chains or a 500 kDa complex of 6 alpha chains and 1 beta chain. The central body of the alpha chain homomer supports tentacles, each with the binding site for C4b at the end. (Microbial infection) Interacts with Staphylococcus aureus protein SdrE; this interaction inhibits complement-mediated bacterial opsonization. Chylomicrons in the plasma. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-17 is the initiator.