title: Complement and lupus: old concepts and new directions.
abstract: In this review it is our intention to outline briefly the relevance of the complement system in systemic lupus erythematosus. Three main issues will be addressed: the role of complement in handling immune complexes (ICs), the association between complement deficiencies and IC diseases, and the value of measuring complement components and their conversion products in monitoring disease activity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, King's College Hospital and School of Medicine, London, UK.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Porcel
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vergani
mesh_terms: D003167:Complement Activation; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000172:deficiency / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D003165:Complement System Proteins