title: [The complement system and its possible role in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)].
abstract: The discovery of the complement factor H (CFH) polymorphism in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) strongly suggests a causative role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of this disease. The complement system is part of the innate immune system and is closely associated with the cellular response and the adaptive immune system. This article provides an overview of the complement system and, taking the new data into account, of possible immunopathogenetic processes in AMD.
authors.affiliation: Augenklinik, Universität, Bonn.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Charbel Issa
authors.forename: H P N
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Scholl
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Holz
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Knolle
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kurts
mesh_terms: D016570:Bruch Membrane / Q000276:immunology*; D017242:Complement Factor H / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D010857:Pigment Epithelium of Eye / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: C493495:CFH protein, human; D017242:Complement Factor H