Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Complement System

Complement 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...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Proximity proteomics reveals a co-evolved LRRK2-regulatory network linked to centrosomes.

EMBO reports·2026

Same author

Organelle contact reorganization drives calcium-dependent autophagy under proteostatic stress.

Autophagy·2026

Same author

Organotypic retinal cultures as an ex vivo screening platform for PLGA-based neuroprotective microspheres.

European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences·2026

Same author

Identification of novel blood-borne soluble binding partners of factor H-related proteins.

Scientific reports·2026

Same author

Intracellular complement Factor H promotes tumor progression through modulation of cell cycle and actin cytoskeleton.

Communications biology·2026

Same author

Ocular delivery of different valosin-containing protein (VCP) inhibitory formulations prevents retinal degeneration in rho<sup>∆I255</sup> mice.

Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society·2026

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Enrichment of Bruch's Membrane from Human Donor Eyes

Enrichment of Bruch's Membrane from Human Donor Eyes

Published on: November 15, 2015

The complement system in age-related macular degeneration.

Angela Armento¹, Marius Ueffing^2,3, Simon J Clark^4,5,6

¹Department for Ophthalmology, Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS

|March 22, 2021

Summary

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) involves complex genetic and lifestyle factors impacting the retina. This review explores the intricate role of the complement system in AMD pathogenesis, offering insights for future therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:

Age-related macular degeneration Ageing Complement system Genetics Ophthalmology Retinal biology

More Related Videos

Efficient Dissection and Culture of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Efficient Dissection and Culture of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Published on: February 10, 2021

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging

Published on: July 14, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Nov 12, 2025

Enrichment of Bruch's Membrane from Human Donor Eyes

Enrichment of Bruch's Membrane from Human Donor Eyes

Published on: November 15, 2015

Efficient Dissection and Culture of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Efficient Dissection and Culture of Primary Mouse Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Published on: February 10, 2021

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging

A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging

Published on: July 14, 2016

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Immunology
Genetics

Background:

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness in the elderly, characterized by complex pathogenesis.
AMD arises from genetic predisposition, aging, and lifestyle factors, with intricate molecular mechanisms.
Current therapeutic strategies for AMD have limited efficacy, highlighting the need for deeper understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the multifaceted role of the complement system in the development of AMD.
To explore the interplay between complement activation and key AMD features like inflammation and oxidative stress.
To discuss the challenges in AMD drug discovery due to its complex pathophysiology.

Main Methods:

Literature review of genetic and molecular studies on AMD.
Analysis of the complement system's involvement in retinal degeneration.
Examination of cellular and molecular pathways implicated in AMD progression.

Main Results:

Genetic variants associated with AMD frequently involve the complement system's alternative pathway.
Elevated complement activation products are observed in AMD patients.
Despite genetic links, complement-targeted therapies have shown limited success, indicating complex interactions.

Conclusions:

The complement system is a critical factor in AMD development, but its role is more complex than initially suggested by genetic studies.
Understanding the intricate relationship between complement activation, inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress is crucial for effective AMD treatment.
Further research into the complex molecular and cellular mechanisms of AMD is essential for developing successful therapeutic interventions.