El sistema del complemento y su papel en las enfermedades cutáneas

David Aldo De Luca; Ana Clara Torre

doi:10.47196/da.v27i4.2237

Authors

David Aldo De Luca University of Lubeck, Germany
Ana Clara Torre Italiano Hospital of Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47196/da.v27i4.2237

Keywords:

complement system, angioedema, psoriasis, bullous pemphigoid

Abstract

The complement system is a set of proteins associated with the regulation of immunity and the host protection. There are three activation pathways called classical, alternative, and lectin-associated, which culminate in the production of opsonins, anaphylatoxins, and the membrane attack complex. The activation of the complement system plays a fundamental role in the cutaneous defense against microbiological agents, as well as in the regulation of inflammation and tissue injury.

In various skin diseases, hyperactivity, deficiency or abnormalities in the control of the complement system can be observed. Through autoimmune mechanisms with antibody deposition or by cytotoxic effect on the epidermis or vascular cells, a direct inflammatory effect is observed, as occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus or in autoimmune bullous diseases. Moreover, deficiencies in the regulation of the complement system generate the activation of pro-inflammatory collateral pathways, as in the case of the kallikrein-quinine system in hereditary angioedema.

In this manuscript, we describe the physiology of the complement system, its relevance in common skin pathologies, and alterations in laboratory studies.

Author Biographies

David Aldo De Luca, University of Lubeck, Germany

Medical Specialist in Dermatology, MSc Molecular Biology, Experimental Institute of Dermatology

Ana Clara Torre, Italiano Hospital of Buenos Aires, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Staff Physician Specialist in Dermatology

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