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Increased activation of the alternative complement pathway in sickle cell disease
Clinical Immunology and Immunopathology
|October 1, 1985
Summary
Sickle cell disease patients show increased activation of the alternative complement pathway. This chronic activation may weaken their immune defense against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Complement proteins are crucial for host defense.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are serious in sickle cell disease (SS) patients.
- Prior research suggests alternative complement pathway abnormalities in SS disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure alternative complement pathway activation in SS disease patients.
- To investigate the link between alternative pathway activation and SS disease.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme immunoassay used to detect C3b,P complexes.
- Sera from SS disease patients analyzed.
- C3b,P complexes indicate alternative pathway convertase activation.
Main Results:
- 89% of SS sera exhibited elevated C3b,P complex concentrations.
- This indicates increased alternative complement pathway activation in most SS patients.
- Elevated levels suggest chronic activation.
Conclusions:
- Chronic alternative complement pathway activation is prevalent in SS disease.
- This may contribute to impaired host defense.
- Further research is needed to understand the implications for Streptococcus pneumoniae susceptibility.