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Related Concept Videos

Complement System01:27

Complement System

The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a membrane...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Humoral Immune Responses01:36

Humoral Immune Responses

Overview
Antibody Actions01:26

Antibody Actions

Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Complement activation and pregnancy failure.

Angela Tincani1, Ilaria Cavazzana, Tamara Ziglioli

  • 1UO Reumatologia, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Piazzale Spedali Civili 1, 25100 Brescia, Italy.

Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology
|November 26, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Complement activation is linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes like pre-eclampsia and recurrent spontaneous abortions. While studies in mice show its role in pregnancy loss, its impact in human anti-phospholipid syndrome requires further investigation.

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Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
08:19

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface
07:51

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Murine Tissues at the Maternal-Fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface
08:19

Isolation of Leukocytes from the Human Maternal-fetal Interface

Published on: May 21, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Pregnancy involves maternal immune tolerance of the semi-allogenic fetus.
  • Complement cascade activation is a potential threat to fetal-maternal tolerance.
  • Physiological levels of complement components exist in the placenta, potentially aiding vascular remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of complement activation in various pathological pregnancy conditions.
  • To explore the contribution of complement activation to pregnancy loss in anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) models.
  • To compare findings from animal models with human APS placental pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on complement activation in pregnancy.
  • Analysis of data from mice models of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS).
  • Histological examination of human placental tissues from APS patients.

Main Results:

  • Elevated complement activation is associated with pre-eclampsia, recurrent spontaneous abortions, intrauterine growth retardation, and APS.
  • In some APS mouse models, complement activation (C3 accumulation) is crucial for pregnancy loss.
  • Human APS placentas show detectable complement activation but limited inflammation, with no clear correlation to pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Complement activation, alongside anti-phospholipid antibodies, may contribute to placental inflammation and thrombosis in APS.
  • The extent and significance of complement activation observed in animal models may not directly translate to human APS.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise role of complement and inflammation in human APS pregnancy complications.