Markers of complement activation in plasma during quiescent phases in patients with catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome
Amelia Ruffatti, Marta Tonello, Paolo Macor, Antonia Calligaro, Teresa Del Ross, Maria Favarò, Virginia Lotti, Antonio Carletto, Ariela Hoxha, Domenico Biasi
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that complement activation is a critical contributor to catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS). While complement activation and C5b-9 levels have been documented in acute CAPS, Ruffati et al report that patients with a history of CAPS have higher levels of C5a and C5b-9 even in the quiescent phase, suggesting an underlying defect in complement regulation.
Topics & Concepts
Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndromeComplement systemAntiphospholipid syndromeImmunologyComplement (music)C1-inhibitorAlternative complement pathwayComplement membrane attack complexMedicineAntibodyBiologyAngioedemaGeneticsPhenotypeGeneComplementationSystemic Lupus Erythematosus ResearchComplement system in diseasesBlood groups and transfusion