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Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
06:29

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells

Published on: January 29, 2014

Complement determinations in human disease

M Michael Glovsky1, Peter A Ward, Kent J Johnson

  • 1Huntington Medical Research Institute, Pasadena, California, USA. yksvolg@caltech.edu

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|December 22, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The complement system, crucial for immunity, can cause tissue damage when dysregulated. Understanding complement measurements and its role in diseases like lupus and nephritis is key for developing new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The complement system comprises over 30 proteins, including enzymes, cofactors, and inhibitors, essential for immune defense.
  • This cascade protects against pathogens but can cause significant tissue damage (vasculitis, nephritis, arthritis, hemolysis) if uncontrolled.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review techniques for measuring complement.
  • To explore the clinical significance of complement alterations in various diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of complement research, articles, and books.
  • Author opinion and selection of relevant studies.

Main Results:

  • Complement proteins are purified, and genes identified; the cascade mediates host defense and inflammation.
  • Pathological complement activation leads to tissue damage in kidneys, blood vessels, joints, and erythrocytes.

Conclusions:

  • Complement-mediated tissue destruction is implicated in immune complex diseases like lupus erythematosus and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Further research into complement receptors may guide treatments for lupus, hemolytic anemias, and nephritis.
  • Gene and antibody therapies require refinement for immunodeficiency treatment.
Abstract

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