Abstract
The complement system is very tightly regulated by fluid-phase and membrane-bound factors that prevent injury to self-tissues. The study of genetically engineered animals with targeted deletion or gain of function mutations has highlighted the important role that many of the complement inhibitors play in vivo. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of approach are discussed and the insights gained from the investigation of these animals are reviewed.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, CD / physiology
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CD55 Antigens / physiology
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CD59 Antigens / physiology
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Complement Factor H / physiology
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Complement System Proteins / physiology*
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Genetic Engineering*
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Membrane Cofactor Protein
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Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology
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Mice
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Receptors, Complement / physiology
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Receptors, Complement 3b
Substances
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Antigens, CD
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CD55 Antigens
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CD59 Antigens
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Cr1l protein, mouse
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Mcp protein, mouse
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Membrane Cofactor Protein
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Receptors, Complement
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Receptors, Complement 3b
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Complement Factor H
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Complement System Proteins