Complement regulators and inhibitory proteins
Peter F Zipfel1, Christine Skerka
1Department of Infection Biology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, Jena, Germany. peter.zipfel@hki-jena.de
Abstract:
The complement system is important for cellular integrity and tissue homeostasis. Complement activation mediates the removal of microorganisms and the clearance of modified self cells, such as apoptotic cells. Complement regulators control the spontaneously activated complement cascade and any disturbances in this delicate balance can result in damage to tissues and in autoimmune disease. Therefore, insights into the mechanisms of complement regulation are crucial for understanding disease pathology and for enabling the development of diagnostic tools and therapies for complement-associated diseases.
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