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[Elimination of immune complexes: role of complement]
For many years it has been considered that complement does not modify the immune elimination of antigen-antibody complexes. However, recent studies suggest that complement contributes to the normal processing of immune complexes: (1) complement activation modifies the structure of the immune complex lattice and produces soluble complexes, (2) erythrocytes bind complement reacted complexes and deliver them to the fixed macrophage system. The clinical association between inherited complement deficiency and immune complex mediated diseases also suggests a role for complement in the physiological elimination of complexes.
For many years it has been considered that complement does not modify the immune elimination of antigen-antibody complexes. However, recent studies suggest that complement contributes to the normal processing of immune complexes: (1) complement activation modifies the structure of the immune complex lattice and produces soluble complexes, (2) erythrocytes bind complement reacted complexes and deliver them to the fixed macrophage system. The clinical association between inherited complement deficiency and immune complex mediated diseases also suggests a role for complement in the physiological elimination of complexes.