Immunobiology of the Complement System

Immunobiology of the Complement System: An Introduction for Research and Clinical Medicine provides an introduction to the complement system. The intention was to create a primer that would provide the basic knowledge of complement required for either research or clinical medicine in diseases involving the complement system. The book begins with a historical background of complement research; it introduces certain key investigators from the past who have made important contributions. Separate chapters on the basic aspects of complement function are followed by chapters on the molecular genetics of complement and the role of complement in different diseases. Key topics discussed include the activation of complement via the classical pathway and the alternative pathway; complement mediators of inflammation; opsonization and membrane complement receptors; assembly and functions of the terminal components; and complement-dependent mechanisms of virus neutralization. This book has been written primarily for students and scientists who have not been specifically trained in complement research.

PrefaceIntroduction and History of Complement Research I. The Complement System II. History of Research on Complement III. Role of Complement in Infections and Autoimmune Disease References of Historical Interest1 The Classical Pathway I. Introduction II. Activation Cascade III. Regulatory Factors IV. Summary of Amplification Factors References2 The Alternative Pathway I. Introduction II. The Proteins III. The Activation Process IV. Regulation of Alternative Pathway Activation by Membrane-Associated Proteins V. Biological Effects of Alternative Pathway Activation References3 Complement Mediators of Inflammation I. Introduction II. Production of the Anaphylatoxins III. Control Mechanisms IV. Physiochemical Characterization of the Human Anaphylatoxins V. Biological Activities of the Anaphylatoxins VI. The C5a Receptor VII. Summary References4 Opsonization and Membrane Complement Receptors I. Introduction II. Opsonization III. Membrane Complement Receptors IV. Methods for Detection of Opsonic Complement Fragments and Complement Receptors References5 Assembly and Functions of the Terminal Components I. Introduction II. Assembly of the MAC III. Functional Effects of the MAC on Target Membranes IV. Escape Mechanisms from MAC Attack V. Pathophysiological Significance of the Membrane Attack Sequence VI. Protection of Host Cells from Attack by MAC VII. Perspectives References6 Complement-Dependent Mechanisms of Virus Neutralization I. Introduction II. Immunity to Viruses and Virus-Infected Cells III. Complement Activation by Viruses and Virus-Infected Cells IV. Antibody- and Complement-Dependent Viral Neutralization V. Effects of Antibody and Complement on Virus-Infected Cells VI. Conclusions References7 Genetics and Synthesis of Components of the Complement System I. Introduction II. Genetic Variants: Polymorphism of the Complement Proteins III. Structure and Organization of Complement Genes IV. Expression of Complement Genes V. Complement Deficiencies VI. Conclusions References8 Role of Complement in Infectious Diseases I. Introduction II. Microbial Antigens Capable of Activating Complement III. Localization of Antibody and Complement Components on Microorganisms IV. Complement-Mediated Lysis of Bacteria V. Role of Antibody and Complement in Bloodstream Clearance of Microorganisms VI. Noncomplement and Nonantibody Factors Interacting with Complement in Host Defense VII. Role of Complement in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease VIII. Conclusions References9 Complement and the Rheumatic Diseases I. Introduction II. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus III. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Related Arthritides IV. Cryoglobulins V. Vasculitic Syndromes VI. Laboratory Evaluation References10 Role of Complement in Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia I. Red Cell Injury II. Diseases Involving Complement-Mediated Injury of Inherently Normal Erythrocytes: Immune Hemolytic Disorders III. Diseases Involving Complement-Mediated Injury of Inherently Defective Erythrocytes IV. Platelet Injury References11 Genetic Deficiency Diseases of the Complement System I. Introduction II. Complement Deficiency States in Laboratory Animals III. Complement Deficiency in Man IV. Association of Complement Deficiency with Disease V. Summary ReferencesIndex