Inherited complement deficiency states and disease

Studies of inherited complement deficiency states in disease have provided a set of apparent biological facts relating to the protective importance of an intact complement system. While some of the findings seem to confirm what may have been expected on the basis of in vitro studies, other observations constitute a challenge to further investigation. In this presentation, basic findings with regard to deficiency of circulating complement proteins are briefly summarized, and some difficulties and issues of possible interest pointed out.