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There is increasing evidence from genetic, immunohistochemical, proteomic and epidemiological studies as well as in model systems that complement activation has an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The complement cascade is an essential element of the innate immune response. In the brain complement proteins are integral components of amyloid plaques and complement activation occurs at the earliest stage of the disease. The complement cascade has been implicated as a protective mechanism in the clearance of amyloid, and in a causal role through chronic activation of the inflammatory response. In this review we discuss the potential for complement activation to act as a biomarker for AD at several stages in the disease process. An accurate biomarker that has sufficient predictive, diagnostic and prognostic value would provide a significant opportunity to develop and test for effective novel therapies in the treatment of AD.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.imbio.2011.07.023

Type

Journal article

Journal

Immunobiology

Publication Date

02/2012

Volume

217

Pages

204 - 215

Keywords

Alzheimer Disease, Amyloid, Biomarkers, Complement Activation, Complement System Proteins, Humans, Macular Degeneration, Plaque, Amyloid