Abstract

The Complement System provides a rapid and efficient means to protect the host from invasive microorganisms. Due to its diverse biological activities, complement is the major mediator of inflammation, a natural response to the host tissue to any injury. Evidences are available to show that complement significantly contributes to the regulation of immune response. Furthermore, the effector functions arising from complement activation carry the potential for harming the host by directly or indirectly mediating inflammatory tissue destruction. Inappropriate or excessive activation of the complement system can lead to harmful, potentially life-threatening consequences due to severe inflammatory destruction. Genetic complement deficiencies or complement depletion have been found to be beneficial in reducing tissue injury of severe complement dependent inflammation. Considerable clinical and experimental evidence along with the work done in our laboratory implicate the role of complement.