title: The complement system. Activation, modulation, and clinical relevance.
abstract: Activation of the classic or the alternative pathway of the complement system results in the generation of biologically active products and the assembly of MAC. Homeostasis is achieved by the presence of control proteins that modulate the activation at various levels. Complement proteins play an important role in the pathogenesis of several dermatologic disorders. Their deficiency is associated with impairment of host-defense; uncontrolled activation of the system results in the development of angioedema or chronic hemolysis.
authors: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, New York, New York.
authors: H W
authors: HW
authors: Lim
mesh_terms: D003167:Complement Activation; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex / Q000276:immunology; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative / Q000276:immunology; D003171:Complement Pathway, Classical / Q000276:immunology; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003165:Complement System Proteins