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Related Concept Videos

Complement System01:27

Complement System

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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...
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Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

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The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
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The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in bolstering our immune system. It consists of a network of lymphoid organs, lymph, and lymphatic vessels that provide structural and functional support in safeguarding the body against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.
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What is the Immune System?01:38

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The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Depletion of Specific Cell Populations by Complement Depletion
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Complement System Part II: Role in Immunity.

Nicolas S Merle1, Remi Noe2, Lise Halbwachs-Mecarelli1

  • 1UMRS 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM , Paris , France ; UMRS 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris Descartes , Paris , France ; UMRS 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06 , Paris , France.

Frontiers in Immunology
|June 16, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The complement system is a vital innate immune surveillance network crucial for host homeostasis and pathogen defense. Recent research reveals its complex roles in both health and diseases, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Keywords:
adaptive immunityanaphylatoxinscomplement and innate immunitycomplement in cancercomplement systemcomplement-related diseasescrosstalk TLR-complementpathogen strategies for immune evasion

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • The complement system was historically viewed as a simple lytic cascade against bacteria.
  • Current understanding recognizes it as a complex innate immune surveillance system vital for homeostasis, inflammation, and pathogen defense.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advances in understanding the complement system's role in physiology and pathology.
  • To explore complement's dual role as both beneficial and detrimental in various conditions.
  • To discuss complement as a potential therapeutic target.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent advances in complement research.
  • Analysis of complement's involvement in physiological processes like cell clearance and survival.
  • Examination of complement's role in both host defense and pathological conditions.

Main Results:

  • Complement contributes to normal physiology through silent clearance of apoptotic cells and maintaining cell survival.
  • In pathology, complement aids defense via opsonization, direct killing (C5b-9), and inflammation (C3a, C5a).
  • Dysregulated complement activation is implicated in diseases like atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathies, systemic lupus erythematosus, age-related macular degeneration, and cancer.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system is a multifaceted component of innate immunity with critical roles beyond pathogen lysis.
  • Its involvement extends to maintaining homeostasis and significantly contributes to a wide spectrum of diseases.
  • Targeting the complement system offers promising therapeutic avenues for various conditions.