ABSTRACT
Complement is a collective noun that describes a series of approximately 30 plasma proteins. When activated they interact sequentially, forming a selfassembling enzymatic cascade and generating biologically active molecules mediating a range of end processes that are significant in the immune and inflammatory response. The basic principle of this cascade system is depicted in Figure 3.1 and in general terms this is similar to the coagulation pathways involved in secondary haemostasis. Intrinsic in such pathways is the presence of a regulatory system that can switch off the cascade when no longer required in order to avoid inappropriate damage to normal tissue.
