Complement in Autoimmunity

Complement protein expression and activation control central aspects of the normal B cell response. Imbalances in these processes invariably lead to autoimmune disease. Complement activation causes tissue damage in a number of ways and may by itself lead to autoimmune disease. Although the use of complement activation inhibitors in the treatment of complement-mediated tissue injury and disease is largely in pre-clinical trials, the expectations that they will be of significant clinical value are