Complement in Health and Disease

The complement system plays a major role in the host's defence against infections and in immune complex diseases. Although it is known to consist of a number of serum and membrane proteins that interact through a cascade, there is still a poor understanding of the exact nature of the components and their complex interaction. Many of the biological consequences of complement activation also await elucidation. This fully revised edition of Complement in Health and Disease provides an up-to-date account of how the system works and its effects on the host. Key topics covered include the history, phylogeny and evolution of the system; genetics and biochemistry; deficiency states and infection; immune complex diseases; complement and angioedema; anaphylatoxins; and diseases of the nervous system. The book is valuable both for those wanting an introduction to this complex area of immunology as well as those requiring a more detailed update on developments in specific topics.