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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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Antimicrobial Proteins01:23

Antimicrobial Proteins

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Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
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Overview
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Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

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The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
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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.
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Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

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The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
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Updated: Oct 10, 2025

Depletion of Specific Cell Populations by Complement Depletion
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The state of complement in COVID-19.

Behdad Afzali1, Marina Noris2,3, Bart N Lambrecht4,5,6

  • 1Immunoregulation Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. ben.afzali@nih.gov.

Nature Reviews. Immunology
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Summary

Severe COVID-19 involves overactive complement and coagulation systems. Complement inhibition shows promise as a potential therapy for severe cases, with early clinical evidence supporting its use.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Hematology
  • Virology

Background:

  • COVID-19 is linked to overactive complement and coagulation systems.
  • SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers both systemic and local complement activation.
  • These activations contribute to hyperinflammation and thrombosis in COVID-19 patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of systemic and local complement activation in COVID-19.
  • To explore the relationship between complement activation, hyperinflammation, and thrombosis.
  • To update on clinical findings and trial evidence for complement inhibition therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of complement and coagulation system activation in COVID-19.
  • Analysis of the relationship between viral infection and host immune/coagulation responses.
  • Review of early clinical data and ongoing trials on complement inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Systemic and local complement activation are key features of severe COVID-19.
  • Complement activation contributes significantly to the hyperinflammatory and pro-thrombotic state.
  • Emerging evidence suggests complement inhibition may be a viable therapeutic strategy.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the complement system offers a promising therapeutic avenue for severe COVID-19.
  • Further clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of complement inhibition.
  • Understanding complement's role is crucial for managing COVID-19 complications.