What a pathologist needs to know about disorders of the complement system

The complement system is an important component of innate immunity, which is part of the first line of defense against infections. In addition, complement plays an important role in the removal of apoptotic and damaged endogenous cells and, according to recent discoveries, contributes significantly to the homeostasis of the organism. The complement system includes several dozen soluble and membrane-bound proteins, which, after activation, function as a cascade, at the end of which is the elimination of the infectious agent. Complement activation occurs through one of 3 pathways (classical, lectin, and alternative) and all 3 pathways lead to the central C3 component. The cleavage of C3 starts the activation of the so-called effector terminal cascade, which participates in the elimination of pathogens through pro-inflammatory mechanisms, opsonization and, at the end, the creation of a channel in the basement membrane. The systematic control of complement activation plays an important role, because that represents prevention against damage to one's own tissues. Especially, the alternative pathway, which provides more than 80% of the activity of the terminal complement cascade, requires tight control. Dysregulation of complement and especially its alternative pathways is behind many acute and chronic diseases.