ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the components, activation pathways, and effector mechanisms of the complement system. It sets out the basic architecture of the complement system, its activation, and finally details the protective immune processes it performs, including pathogen clearance, recognition of foreign antigens, modulation of cellular immune responses, noninflammatory removal of self-antigens derived from apoptotic processes, and immune complex removal. The second section of the chapter discusses host control of complement activation and further explores the consequences of lost control or inappropriate complement activation, and how this may cause tissue damage in inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative diseases. With these concepts solidified, the final section discusses the potential application of complement therapeutics for modulation of inflammatory diseases and describes in detail the current status of complement therapeutics for treatment of disease.
