Complement evasion by human pathogens.
The human immune system has developed an elaborate network of cascades for dealing with microbial intruders. Owing to its ability to rapidly recognize and eliminate microorganisms, the complement system is an essential and efficient component of this machinery. However, many pathogenic organisms have found ways to escape the attack of complement through a range of different mechanisms. Recent discoveries in this field have provided important insights into these processes on a molecular level. These vital developments could augment our knowledge of the pathology and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Lambris
John D
JD
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 422 Curie Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. lambris@mail.med.upenn.edu
Ricklin
Daniel
D
Geisbrecht
Brian V
BV
D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D003167:Complement Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014764:Viral Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014780:Viruses / Q000472:pathogenicity*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D014764:Viral Proteins; D003165:Complement System Proteins