Immune complex: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 03:52, 13 February 2025

Immune Complex[edit]

An immune complex is a molecule formed from the binding of multiple antibodies to antigens. These complexes play a crucial role in the immune system by facilitating the removal of antigens from the body. However, they can also contribute to the pathogenesis of various immune complex diseases.

Formation[edit]

Immune complexes are formed when antibodies, which are proteins produced by B cells, bind to specific antigens. This binding is a key part of the adaptive immune response, allowing the body to target and neutralize foreign pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Function[edit]

The primary function of immune complexes is to facilitate the clearance of antigens. Once formed, these complexes can activate the complement system, a group of proteins that assists in the destruction of pathogens. The complement system enhances the ability of phagocytes to engulf and destroy antigens, a process known as opsonization.

Pathological Effects[edit]

While immune complexes are essential for normal immune function, their accumulation can lead to immune complex-mediated diseases. These diseases occur when immune complexes deposit in tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Examples include:

Clearance[edit]

The body has mechanisms to clear immune complexes from the circulation. Macrophages and other phagocytic cells in the reticuloendothelial system play a significant role in this process. Additionally, the spleen and liver are involved in filtering and removing these complexes.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Immune complex''' is a combination of [[antigens]] and [[antibodies]] that are bound together. This complex is a crucial part of the [[immune system]]'s response to foreign substances in the body.
+{{DISPLAYTITLE:Immune Complex}}
-== Overview ==
+== Immune Complex ==
+An '''immune complex''' is a molecule formed from the binding of multiple [[antibodies]] to [[antigens]]. These complexes play a crucial role in the [[immune system]] by facilitating the removal of antigens from the body. However, they can also contribute to the pathogenesis of various [[immune complex diseases]].
-An immune complex is formed when an antibody, produced by the immune system in response to an antigen, binds to that antigen. Antigens are substances that the immune system recognizes as foreign. They can be bacteria, viruses, or other substances that are not normally present in the body.
+[[File:Immune22.gif|thumb|right|Diagram of an immune complex formation]]
-The formation of an immune complex is a key step in the immune response. Once formed, the immune complex can trigger a variety of immune responses, including inflammation and the destruction of the antigen.
+== Formation ==
+Immune complexes are formed when [[antibodies]], which are proteins produced by [[B cells]], bind to specific [[antigens]]. This binding is a key part of the [[adaptive immune response]], allowing the body to target and neutralize foreign pathogens such as [[bacteria]] and [[viruses]].
-== Formation of Immune Complexes ==
+== Function ==
+The primary function of immune complexes is to facilitate the clearance of antigens. Once formed, these complexes can activate the [[complement system]], a group of proteins that assists in the destruction of pathogens. The complement system enhances the ability of [[phagocytes]] to engulf and destroy antigens, a process known as [[opsonization]].
-The formation of an immune complex begins when an antigen enters the body. The immune system recognizes the antigen as foreign and produces antibodies to bind to it. The antibodies and antigens bind together to form the immune complex.
+== Pathological Effects ==
+While immune complexes are essential for normal immune function, their accumulation can lead to [[immune complex-mediated diseases]]. These diseases occur when immune complexes deposit in tissues, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Examples include:
-The immune complex is then recognized by other cells in the immune system, which can trigger a variety of responses. These responses can include inflammation, which helps to isolate and destroy the antigen, and the activation of other immune cells, which can help to eliminate the antigen from the body.
+* [[Systemic lupus erythematosus]]
+* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]
+* [[Glomerulonephritis]]
-== Role in Disease ==
+== Clearance ==
+The body has mechanisms to clear immune complexes from the circulation. [[Macrophages]] and other phagocytic cells in the [[reticuloendothelial system]] play a significant role in this process. Additionally, the [[spleen]] and [[liver]] are involved in filtering and removing these complexes.
-While immune complexes are a normal part of the immune response, they can also contribute to disease. In some cases, immune complexes can form inappropriately, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. This can occur in autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.
-In other cases, immune complexes can form in response to persistent infections, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. This can occur in diseases such as [[rheumatoid arthritis]] and [[lupus]].
-== Treatment and Management ==
-Treatment for diseases caused by immune complexes typically involves managing the underlying condition. This can include anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressive drugs to reduce the immune response, and treatments to remove the immune complexes from the body.
-== See Also ==
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Antibody]]
 * [[Antigen]]
-* [[Antibody]]
+* [[Complement system]]
+* [[Phagocytosis]]
 * [[Autoimmune disease]]
-* [[Inflammation]]
-* [[Rheumatoid arthritis]]
-* [[Lupus]]
 [[Category:Immunology]]
-[[Category:Medical terms]]
-[[Category:Autoimmune diseases]]
-{{stub}}