For more than 30 years it has been known that complement plays a central role in the development of humoral immune responses. Today it is clear that complement influences a variety of B cell functions, including the uptake,processing and presentation of foreign and selfantigens,the production of specific antibodies as well as shaping of the B cell repertoire. A central role in the performance of these functions is played by the B cell signalling triad consisting of the B cell receptor for antigen(BCR), a complex consisting of the iC3b/C3d fragmentbinding complement type 2 receptor (CR2, CD21) and its signalling element, CD19, and the IgG-binding receptor,Fc?RIIb (CD32). Recent evidence suggests that complement,in addition to facilitating the uptake and presentation of antigen to T helper cells by antigen-presenting cells, also regulates T cell functions by promoting the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a and IFN-? on the one hand, and the differentiation of regulatory T cells producing IL-10 on the other. This review aims at describing the present status of our understanding of the mechanisms underlying complement regulation of acquired immunity and autoimmunity.

This content is only available via PDF.
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.