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Evolution of the complement system.

¹Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan. mnonaka@biol.s.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Current Opinion in Immunology

|January 13, 2001

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The complement system predates adaptive immunity, with ancient origins found in jawless fishes and invertebrates. These primitive systems represent highly organized innate immune defenses.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Evolutionary Biology
Innate Immunity

Background:

The complement system is a crucial part of innate immunity, predating adaptive immunity in evolutionary history.
Adaptive immunity is exclusive to jawed vertebrates, highlighting the ancient nature of innate defenses.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the evolutionary origins and organization of the complement system in primitive organisms.
To understand the role of complement components in the innate immune systems of non-vertebrates.

Main Methods:

Identification of complement components (alternative and lectin pathways) in jawless fishes.
Analysis of complement system organization in deuterostome invertebrates.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

Complement components of the alternative and lectin pathways were discovered in jawless fishes.
Evidence suggests the presence of a primitive, highly organized complement system in some invertebrates.

Conclusions:

The complement system's origins are ancient, extending beyond jawed vertebrates.
Primitive complement systems in invertebrates represent sophisticated innate immune mechanisms.