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Related Concept Videos

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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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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 9, 2026

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice
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Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

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The Microbiome and Complement Activation: A Mechanistic Model for Preterm Birth.

Alexis B Dunn1, Anne L Dunlop1, Carol J Hogue2

  • 11 Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Biological Research for Nursing
|January 12, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Preterm birth (PTB) affects 1 in 9 US births, with high racial disparities. This study proposes a model linking the vaginal microbiome and complement system dysregulation to inflammation-associated PTB.

Keywords:
complement systeminflammation in pregnancymicrobiomepreterm birth

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Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Immunology
  • Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Preterm birth (PTB) is a major obstetric issue in the US, disproportionately affecting African Americans.
  • Intrauterine infections, often from the vaginal microbiome, trigger inflammation linked to PTB.
  • Current infection treatments show limited efficacy, suggesting complex inflammatory mechanisms are involved.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a mechanistic model for inflammation-associated PTB.
  • To hypothesize a relationship between the microbiome and complement system dysregulation.
  • To explore complement biomarkers as potential targets for PTB prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on PTB, inflammation, microbiome, and complement system.
  • Development of a mechanistic model integrating these factors.
  • Identification of potential complement biomarkers for further investigation.

Main Results:

  • The complement system, crucial for inflammation and microbial defense, is increasingly associated with PTB.
  • A dysregulated complement system, influenced by the microbiome, may contribute to PTB.
  • Complement biomarkers could offer insights into PTB's inflammatory pathways.

Conclusions:

  • The proposed model highlights the interplay between the microbiome and complement system in PTB.
  • Further research into complement biomarkers may reveal modifiable pathways to reduce PTB.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is critical for addressing PTB disparities.