Complement Factor D as a Strategic Target for Regulating the Alternative Complement Pathway.

ABSTRACT: The complement system is central to first-line defense against invading pathogens. However, excessive complement activation and/or the loss of complement regulation contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases, systemic inflammation, and thrombosis. One of the three pathways of the complement system, the alternative complement pathway, plays a vital role in amplifying complement activation and pathway signaling. Complement factor D, a serine protease of this pathway that is required for the formation of C3 convertase, is the rate-limiting enzyme. In this review, we discuss the function of factor D within the alternative pathway and its implication in both healthy physiology and disease. Because the alternative pathway has a role in many diseases that are characterized by excessive

SUBMITTER: Barratt J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8458797 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature