Publisher's Synopsis
The complement system consists of some 30 fluid-phase and cell membrane proteins which together provide an important defence system involved in a multitude of immune reactions. Comprising the proceedings and abstracts of the '6th European Meeting on Complement in Human Disease', this publication documents the most recent developments in this field of research. The main topics covered include: - the precise molecular characterization of complement deficiencies - the genetics of several complement components - diagnostic aspects including sensitive and specific biocompatibility testing - molecular mimicry by microorganisms to evade complement attack - interactions of complement with HIV - the role of complement in allergy, cancer, cardiovascular and renal disease - involvement of complement in autoimmune disorders - beneficial and adverse effects of complement protein synthesis in the brain - the use of complement regulatory protein-transgenic animals for pig-to-human transplantation - the use of anti-complement antibodies to inhibit membrane attack, and other therapeutic options - basic complementology including signal transduction pathways
