The complement system is a pivotal part of the immune response, playing a crucial role in identifying and eliminating pathogens. It consists of a series of small proteins that circulate in the blood, becoming activated in a cascade-like manner upon encountering foreign invaders.
This system helps to clear pathogens through various mechanisms, including opsonization, chemotaxis, and cell lysis.
Despite its importance, targeting the complement system therapeutically has been challenging due to its complexity and the potential for unintended consequences.