Complement: structure, functions, evolution, and viral molecular mimicry.
The complement (C') system has long been recognized as an important mediator of innate immune defense and inflammation. In recent years there is increasing evidence suggesting that complement components may also participate in non-inflammatory and developmental processes. Here we review our current work on the structural-functional aspects of C3-ligand interactions and the rational design of small-sized complement inhibitors. We present a novel, proteomics-based, approach to studying protein-protein interactions within the C' system and discuss our progress in the study of viral immune evasion strategies. Furthermore we discuss the involvement of complement proteins in organ regeneration and hematopoietic development.
Mastellos
Dimitrios
D
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Morikis
Dimitrios
D
Isaacs
Stuart N
SN
Holland
M Claire
MC
Strey
Cristoph W
CW
Lambris
John D
JD
D000818:Animals; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D003169:Complement Inactivator Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D019143:Evolution, Molecular; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D018716:Molecular Mimicry / Q000276:immunology*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000276:immunology
D003176:Complement C3; D003169:Complement Inactivator Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D003165:Complement System Proteins