A conceptual view of the complement system

The activities of the complement system encompass cell destruction either directly through the membrane attack complex or indirectly via the effects of inflammation. The effects of complement fragments on immune functioning are just now being elucidated. Recent advances in methodology have allowed recognition of complement deficiencies of both quantitative and structural varieties. Complement activation studies may detect subclinical activation and be useful guideposts for therapeutic intervention. Coupling our new understanding of the mechanisms of complement activation with new technologies to measure this activation may result in the better understanding of the pathology of inflammation and its concurrent immunologic reactions.