Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 21, 2026

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells
06:29

Methods for Quantitative Detection of Antibody-induced Complement Activation on Red Blood Cells

Published on: January 29, 2014

Infections and hypocomplementemia

I M Goldstein, S R Marder

    Annual Review of Medicine
    |January 1, 1983
    PubMed

    The complement system, phagocytic leukocytes, and antibodies constitute the "department of defense" in the battle against infections caused by pyogenic microorganisms. Complement components are capable of directly killing (by lysis) certain susceptible bacteria and are the source of chemotactic peptides and heat-labile opsonin, which facilitate recognition and killing of microbes by phagocytic cells. When these vital functions are compromised, as in individuals with inherited deficiencies of complement components, the result is unusual susceptibility to severe infections.

    More Related Videos

    Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression07:30

    Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression

    Published on: June 15, 2019

    Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay05:52

    Neutrophil Lifespan Extension with CLON-G and an In Vitro Spontaneous Death Assay

    Published on: May 12, 2023

    Related Concept Videos

    Humoral Immune Responses01:36

    Humoral Immune Responses

    Overview
    Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

    Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

    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.
    The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
    Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

    Immunodeficiency Diseases

    Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
    There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
    Complement System01:27

    Complement System

    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 membrane...
    Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions01:01

    Hypersensitivity Reactions: Cytolytic Reactions

    Type II hypersensitivity involves IgG and IgM antibodies targeting cell surface antigens, leading to cell destruction. This can occur through complement activation, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or acting as opsonins for phagocytosis. When excessive, these reactions cause significant tissue damage.Drug-induced hemolytic anemia is a common example, where drugs like penicillin or cephalosporins bind to red blood cells, forming drug-protein complexes. These complexes...
    Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

    Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

    Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...