Springer The Complement System

The complement system plays a key role in host defense functions and inflammatory reactions. This book provides the present state-of-the-art of the theoretical fundamentals and basic biochemical features of the complement system, its activation and regulation. The biological functions are also discussed in the context of more complex conditions, e.g. host defense, chronic inflammation and graft rejection. This is a thorough revision of the 1988 edition, with additional chapters addressing the progress made in the understanding of the interconnection of the complement system and other mediator systems, especially with cellular receptors. The immunopathology section has been expanded, and a chapter on diagnostic procedures and their interpretation has been added. Review From the reviews of the first edition: "Overall, the volume is a most useful resource on complement and will be of tremendous value for investigators in the area of complementology, newcomers in the field, and instructors for updating their information on the subject." ASM News - American Society for Microbiology From the Back Cover Its key role in life preserving functions such as host defense against infections or inflammatory reactions has put the serum complement system at the forefront of biomedical research in both the laboratory and the clinic. This book describes the basic regulation of the complement systems, presenting its biological functions, the target cell receptors for such functions and their interactions with ligands to induce specific cellular responses. The biological functions are also discussed in the context of more complex conditions, for example in host defense, chronic inflammatory disease, graft rejection as well as in adverse reactions to drugs or to artificial surfaces. The book offers the present state-of-the-art compiled by leading experts in the field. Extensive literature citations offer easy access to those interested in more detail.