The pathophysiology of the complement system in leprosy

Ramanathan, V D (1991) The pathophysiology of the complement system in leprosy. Indian Journal of Leprosy, 63 (3&4). pp. 418-434. ISSN 0024-1024

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Abstract

The complement system, which consists of a group of proteins and glycoproteins, generally serves to amplify the effects of the interaction of antigen with antibody. In addition, this system, independent of immune mechanisms, can initiate inflammatory responses and function as an important first line of defence. Furthermore, complement plays a cardinal role in metabolising antigen-antibody complexes. More recently, the immunomodulatory effects of several of its components are also being studied. It is currently held that the elimination of Mycobacterium leprae from the human host is mainly through the T-lymphocytes and macrophages and that the complement system is not involved in this process. Nevertheless, in view of the active interaction of M. leprae with the complement system and the form&on of large amounts of immune complexes(IC) in leprosy, the importance of this system in modulating certain immunopathogenetic phenomena is being recognized now. In this communication, the current state knowledge in this field will be reviewed and an attempt will be made to identify possible areas of future research where lacunae exist.

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