Classical complement pathway

Middleton, O., Wheadon, H. and Michie, A. (2016) Classical complement pathway. In: Ratcliffe, M.J.H. (ed.) Encyclopedia of Immunobiology, 1st Edition. Elsevier: New York, NY. ISBN 9780123742797 (doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-374279-7.02014-2)

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Abstract

The complement system is a fundamental part of the body's innate immunity, providing a fast acting defense mechanism against invading organisms, tissue damage, or molecules identified as being ‘nonself.’ The classical complement cascade is initiated either through direct binding of the first component C1q to the pathogen surface or during the adaptive immune response whereby C1q binds to the antibody–antigen complexes. Following activation, pathogens are cleared through complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The classical complement cascade therefore provides a key link between the effector mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity. Advances in translational medicine have resulted in effective immunotherapies, particularly in the field of cancer, using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The MAbs bind to specific cell surface markers, thus initiating CDC through activation of the classical complement cascade, and ADCC. These immunotherapies highlight the potential to generate antitumor activities by harnessing the body's own natural immune response.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Michie, Professor Alison and Middleton, Miss Odette and Wheadon, Professor Helen
Authors: Middleton, O., Wheadon, H., and Michie, A.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Publisher:Elsevier
ISBN:9780123742797

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