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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.
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
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Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

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An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
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Antibody Actions01:26

Antibody Actions

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Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
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Humoral Immune Responses01:36

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Overview
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B Cell Activation and Differentiation01:24

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

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The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
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Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion
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Complement system activation: bridging physiology, pathophysiology, and therapy.

Elie Azoulay1, Julien Zuber2, Ahmed Aziz Bousfiha3,4,5

  • 1Intensive Care Unit, Saint-Louis University Hospital, AP-HP, Paris Cité University, Paris, France. elie.azoulay@aphp.fr.

Intensive Care Medicine
|September 10, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The complement system is vital for immunity but overactivation causes disease. Effective inhibitors exist for conditions like atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and myasthenia gravis, though more research is needed.

Keywords:
Acute respiratory distress syndromeAtypical hemolytic–uremic syndromeComplement activationComplement system proteinsCritical illnessMyasthenia gravisSepsisSevere COVID-19

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In Vitro Methods for Comparing Target Binding and CDC Induction Between Therapeutic Antibodies: Applications in Biosimilarity Analysis
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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • The complement system, comprising over 50 proteins, is integral to innate immunity, involving a proteolytic cascade.
  • Dysregulation of complement system activation is pathogenic in diseases like sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
  • Excessive complement activation contributes to tissue damage, inflammation, and capillary leakage, potentially worsening severe COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the normal complement system and its dysregulation in critical illnesses.
  • To discuss complement overactivation in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and myasthenia gravis.
  • To highlight the efficacy and challenges of complement-inhibiting therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on complement system function and dysregulation.
  • Analysis of the role of complement in critical illnesses and specific autoimmune diseases.
  • Discussion of diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies, including complement inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Complement overactivation is implicated in sepsis, ARDS, severe COVID-19, aHUS, and myasthenia gravis.
  • Early complement inhibition is effective, with eculizumab and ravulizumab being key therapies.
  • Prophylactic use of complement inhibitors can prevent aHUS recurrence post-transplantation.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system is essential but its overactivation causes significant disease.
  • Effective complement inhibitors are available, but optimal use and personalized treatment require further investigation.
  • Advanced diagnostics and treatment markers are needed for better complement-mediated disease management.