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06:29
Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
Published on: January 29, 2014
Advances in assay of complement function and activation
Morten Harboe1, Ebbe Billmann Thorgersen, Tom Eirik Mollnes
1Institute of immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, N-0027 Oslo, Norway.
Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews
|June 14, 2011
Summary
The complement system detects danger signals, like foreign materials. New methods using antibodies help measure complement activation, crucial for developing biocompatible materials.
Area of Science:
- Immunology and Materials Science
- Complement system biology
- Biomaterials and biocompatibility
Background:
- The complement system's primary role is recognizing danger signals, including pathogen-associated molecular patterns and foreign surfaces.
- Exposure to foreign surfaces, such as biomedical materials and nanoparticles, triggers an inflammatory response via complement activation.
- Complement activation occurs when a surface is recognized as foreign, disrupting the balance of regulatory proteins like factor H and factor B.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review available methods for studying complement activation on surfaces and in biological fluids.
- To highlight the importance of sensitive detection methods for assessing biomaterial biocompatibility.
- To inform the development of novel materials with improved biocompatibility through understanding complement interactions.
Main Methods:
- Development of monoclonal antibodies targeting neoepitopes on complement activation products.
- Assay development for sensitive detection of complement activation in fluid and on surfaces.
- In vitro and in vivo studies of human and animal complement function and activation.
Main Results:
- Monoclonal antibodies provide new, sensitive methods for quantifying complement activation.
- Impaired regulation of complement control proteins (e.g., factor B and H balance) is key to surface-induced activation.
- Sensitive detection assays are essential for evaluating the biocompatibility of artificial materials.
Conclusions:
- Understanding complement activation mechanisms on foreign surfaces is critical for materials science.
- Sensitive detection methods are prerequisites for developing biocompatible biomedical materials.
- This review consolidates current methodologies for studying complement activation, aiding future research in biomaterial development.
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