Skip to main content

Complement System

Meaning

A crucial, highly regulated component of the innate immune system comprising a cascade of over thirty distinct soluble and membrane-bound proteins found in the blood plasma and on cell surfaces. Its primary biological function is to enhance or “complement” the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens, cellular debris, and immune complexes from the circulation. Dysregulation of this powerful system can unfortunately contribute to chronic inflammation and autoimmune pathology.