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The role of complement in inflammation and adaptive immunity

R Barrington1, M Zhang, M Fischer

  • 1The Center for Blood Research, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.

Immunological Reviews
|June 21, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Gene-targeting technology advanced complement system research, revealing its dual role in host protection and B-1 lymphocyte regulation. This research offers new insights into immunity and inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunobiology
  • Complement System
  • Adaptive Immunity

Background:

  • Recent advances in gene-targeting technology have significantly enhanced the understanding of complement immunobiology.
  • Development of genetically modified mice with specific complement deficiencies provides novel research models.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the complement system's roles in host protection, inflammation, and B lymphocyte regulation.
  • To explore the interconnectedness of complement's functions in immunity and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing gene-targeting technology to create mouse models with specific complement protein or receptor deficiencies.
  • Characterizing these mouse models to gain insights into complement system biology.

Main Results:

  • The complement system plays a crucial role in host protection against bacterial infections, working alongside natural antibodies.
  • Complement and natural antibodies also contribute to inflammatory processes, as seen in reperfusion injury.
  • B-1 lymphocytes, producers of natural antibodies, are significantly regulated by the complement system.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system has a dual role in immunity: protecting hosts and regulating adaptive immunity via B lymphocytes.
  • Understanding these interconnected roles is vital for developing new therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases and infections.

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