Immunobiology of the Complement System

Preface

Introduction 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 Interest


1 The Classical Pathway

I. Introduction

II. Activation Cascade

III. Regulatory Factors

IV. Summary of Amplification Factors

References


2 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

References


3 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

References


4 Opsonization and Membrane Complement Receptors

I. Introduction

II. Opsonization

III. Membrane Complement Receptors

IV. Methods for Detection of Opsonic Complement Fragments and Complement Receptors

References


5 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

References


6 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

References


7 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

References


8 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

References


9 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

References


10 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

References


11 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

References

Index