Komplementový systém, jeho poruchy a diagnostika

Abstract

The complement system is a key component of innate immunity. It consists of 50 plasma and membrane proteins that form three distinct but overlapping pathways of activation, as well as a common terminal lytic cascade and a network of regulators and receptors. Complement disorders may contribute to immunodeficiencies, autoimmunity, malignancies, infectious diseases, and diseases associated with complement dysregulation. Strict adherence to the rules of the preanalytical phase of the examination is essential for laboratory diagnosis. To comprehensively assess the function and involvement of complement in immunopathological processes, we need to test the whole range of investigations (from functional tests, examination of individual complement components, to genetic analysis).