The biological role of the complement system and the clinical importance of complement measurements.

Properties of serum proteins belonging to the complement system, two pathways of the complement activation (classical and alternative pathway) as well as the physiological role of the complement system are discussed. Complement has essential importance in some physiological processes: In the induction of the humoral immune response, in the elimination of immune complexes and in the protection against bacterial and viral infections. After a short discussion of the genetics of the complement system, the principle and possibilities of clinical applications of the complement measurements are described. Finally, different approaches to the therapeutic manipulation of the complement system are discussed.