Abstract

Complementary DNA clones corresponding to most of the proteins of a major amplification and effector of immune host defenses, the complement system, have been isolated and characterized. Availability of these molecular probes has substantially increased our information about and understanding of the structure of the complement proteins and regulation of complement gene expression. Information about the proteins has led to the generation of potential pharmacological agents for the selective control of inflammation. Understanding of the regulatory mechanism has provided insights into the mechanisms accounting for the response to several cytokines including interferon‐gamma, interleukin‐1 and tumor necrosis factor. Finally, complement molecular genetics has been stimulated so that the basis for several complement deficiency disorders has been elucidated.