The complement system: pathophysiology and clinical relevance.
In the present article we review selected aspects of the complement system as a major determinant of innate immunity. Besides a detailed description of the components of the complement system, its mode of action, cellular receptors and regulatory control mechanisms, we have focused on the role of the complement system in mutual defence strategies of invading viral pathogens and the host. Since a detrimental activation of the complement cascade is a critical element of several pathological conditions in diverse organs, we summarise the role of a deteriorated complement system in dermatology, nephrology, neurology and xenotransplantation.
Institut für Hygiene, Universität Innsbruck, Austria.
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Speth
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Würzner
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Stoiber
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Dierich
D003167:Complement Activation / Q000502:physiology*; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous / Q000276:immunology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology
D003165:Complement System Proteins