Viral-derived complement inhibitors: current status and potential role in immunomodulation.

ABSTRACT: The complement system is one of the body's major innate immune defense mechanisms in vertebrates. Its function is to detect foreign bodies and promote their elimination through opsonisation or lysis. Complement proteins play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of several disorders. However, excessive complement activation does not confer more protection but instead leads to several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. With inappropriate activation of the complement system, activated complement proteins and glycoproteins may damage both healthy and diseased tissues. Development of complement inhibitors represents an effective approach in controlling dysregulated complement activity and reducing disease severity, yet few studies have investigated the nature and role of novel complem

SUBMITTER: Abou-El-Hassan H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5298540 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature