The Complement System is a critical component of the innate immune response, comprising over 40 proteins that work in concert to fend off infections and maintain homeostasis.
It can be activated through three primary pathways: the classical, lectin, and alternative pathways. Each of these pathways converges in a cascade that leads to the opsonization and elimination of pathogens. Beyond its role in immunity, the complement system also contributes to tissue regeneration and synapse formation during nervous system development.
Deficiencies or dysregulation in the Complement System can have significant health implications. Patients with certain complement protein deficiencies are more susceptible to recurrent infections, while unintended activation can trigger autoimmune diseases.
Understanding and modulating this system opens new therapeutic avenues for a range of diseases.