Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
10:10
In Vivo Imaging Uncovers the Migratory Behavior of Leukocytes within the Joints
Published on: December 9, 2025
Complement in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatic disease
Gunnar Sturfelt1, Lennart Truedsson
1Section of Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Kioskgatan 3, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden. gunnar.sturfelt@ med.lu.se
Nature Reviews. Rheumatology
|June 6, 2012
Summary
The complement system is crucial for immunity but can cause rheumatic diseases when dysregulated. Targeting complement offers potential therapeutic strategies for these inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Diseases
Background:
- The complement system, a key part of innate and adaptive immunity, can cause inflammation and organ damage when dysregulated.
- Dysregulation of complement contributes to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory conditions, particularly rheumatic diseases.
- Complement deficiencies are linked to infections and autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of complement's pathogenic roles in rheumatic diseases.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting complement regulation in rheumatic diseases.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on complement system function and dysfunction in rheumatic diseases.
- Analysis of pathogenic mechanisms involving complement activation and regulation.
- Discussion of current and potential therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Inappropriate complement activation drives inflammation and organ damage in rheumatic diseases.
- Complement deficiencies increase susceptibility to infections and autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
- Understanding complement pathways is key to developing targeted therapies.
Conclusions:
- The complement system plays a dual role in health and disease, with its dysregulation being central to rheumatic disease pathogenesis.
- Therapeutic strategies aimed at regulating complement offer promising avenues for treating rheumatic diseases.
- Further research into complement modulation is warranted for effective management of these conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Complement 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...
01:23Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
01:19Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions
Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
01:22Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
01:26Antibody 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...
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...