Diseases and Conditions RheumDoctor Learning Center

What is the complement system?

October 2, 2018
What is the complement system?

The complement system complements or enhances the immune system. These proteins cause a series of chain events that induce inflammation that  helps antibodies clear infection.  There are three pathways by which complement helps the immune system:

The classical, alternative, and lectin pathways.

The complement system and disease

The complement system is a perfectly normal part of the immune system but sometimes it goes haywire.  Systemic lupus erythematous is a famous example.  But there are also some rare diseases such as Degos/malignant atrophic papulosis.

Here is an excellent YouTube video explained the complement system presented by MEDSimplified

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27100/

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What is the complement system?
Article Name
What is the complement system?
Description
The complement system is made up of proteins that complement or enhances the immune system: more specifically helps antibodies clear infection.
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