Complement deficiency

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002313",
  "term": "Complement deficiency",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "An immunodeficiency characterized by the absence or malfunction of one or more proteins of the complement system. This condition impairs the body's ability to clear pathogens and immune complexes, leading to increased susceptibility to recurrent infections, particularly from encapsulated bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis. Deficiencies can be inherited or acquired and affect components of the classical, alternative, or lectin pathways, diagnosed through specific protein assays.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "autoimmune",
    "classical pathway",
    "complement system",
    "systemic lupus erythematosus"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1147 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/complement-deficiency/"
}