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Complement Factor H: Using Atomic Resolution Structure to Illuminate Disease Mechanisms

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Current Topics in Complement II

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((AEMB,volume 632))

Abstract

Complement Factor H has recently come to the fore with variant forms implicated in a range of serious disease states. This review aims to bring together recent data concerning the structure and biological activity of this molecule to highlight the way in which a molecular understanding of function may open novel therapeutic possibilities. In particular we examine the evidence for and against the hypothesis that sequence variations in factor H may predispose to disease if they perturb its ability to recognise and respond appropriately to polyanionic carbohydrates on host surfaces that require protection from complement-mediated damage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Schools of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, Joseph Black Chemistry Building, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 2PB, UK

    Paul N. Barlow

  2. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Gregory S. Hageman

  3. Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK

    Susan M. Lea

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    Barlow, P.N., Hageman, G.S., Lea, S.M. (2008). Complement Factor H: Using Atomic Resolution Structure to Illuminate Disease Mechanisms. In: Lambris, J. (eds) Current Topics in Complement II. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 632. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-78952-1_10

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