title: Novel Evasion Mechanisms of the Classical Complement Pathway.
abstract: Complement is a network of soluble and cell surface-associated proteins that gives rise to a self-amplifying, yet tightly regulated system with fundamental roles in immune surveillance and clearance. Complement becomes activated on the surface of nonself cells by one of three initiating mechanisms known as the classical, lectin, and alternative pathways. Evasion of complement function is a hallmark of invasive pathogens and hematophagous organisms. Although many complement-inhibition strategies hinge on hijacking activities of endogenous complement regulatory proteins, an increasing number of uniquely evolved evasion molecules have been discovered over the past decade. In this review, we focus on several recent investigations that revealed mechanistically distinct inhibitors of the classical pathway. Because the classical pathway is an important and specific mediator of various autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, in-depth knowledge of novel evasion mechanisms could direct future development of therapeutic anti-inflammatory molecules.
authors: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506; and.
authors: Brandon L
authors: BL
authors: Garcia
authors: Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors: Seline A
authors: 0000-0002-4395-2007
authors: SA
authors: Zwarthoff
authors: Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
authors: Suzan H M
authors: SH
authors: Rooijakkers
authors: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506; and GeisbrechtB@k-state.edu.
authors: Brian V
authors: BV
authors: Geisbrecht
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003172:Complement C1 / Q000502:physiology; D015922:Complement C1q / Q000502:physiology; D050577:Complement C3-C5 Convertases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D003171:Complement Pathway, Classical; D006801:Humans; D057131:Immune Evasion
chemical_list: D003172:Complement C1; D015922:Complement C1q; D050577:Complement C3-C5 Convertases