Chapter 14 - Clinical aspects of the complement system in systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

The complement system is intimately engaged in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we provide an account of how it is involved in the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of human SLE. We have three primary objectives. One is to summarize the current status of employing complement measurement as a biomarker to facilitate clinical management. The second is to define how a genetic deficiency is causative. The third is to explain how the complement system mediates tissue damage in SLE. The field of complement research is entering an exciting renaissance with a wealth of new information on (1) genetic variants and their functional consequences in predisposing to disease and (2) availability of complement inhibitors to ameliorate tissue damage. Complement research has provided important breakthroughs relative to our understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of SLE. Hopefully, therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating complement’s role will have an even greater impact.