and Overview.- Basic Aspects.- Structure and Expression of the C3 Gene.- Molecular Genetics of the Major Histocompatibility Linked Complement Genes.- The ?-Cys-?-Glu Thiolester Bond in Human C3 and C4, and ?2-Macroglobulin.- Structure and Function of the Anaphylatoxins.- The Human C3b Receptor.- The Chemistry and Biology of Complement Receptors.- Molecular Mechanisms.- Initiation of Complement Activation.- The First Component of Human Complement (Cl): Activation and Control.- The Alternative Pathway of Complement.- The Role of Antibody in the Activation of the Alternative Complement Pathway.- The Membrane Attack Complex.- Biologic Aspects.- Synthesis of Complement by Macrophages and Modulation of Their Functions Through Complement Activation.- Regulation of Immune Response by Components of the Complement Cascade and Their Activated Fragments.- Complement, Viruses, and Virus-Infected Cells.- The Role of Complement in Host Resistance to Bacteria.- Relationships Among the Complement, Kinin, Coagulation, and Fibrinolytic Systems.- Pathologic Aspects.- Inherited Deficiencies of Complement Proteins in Man.- The Role of Complement in Experimental Disease Models.- The Role of Complement in Immune Clearance of Blood Cells.- Methods to Detect and Quantitate Complement Activation.- Addendum to: Synthesis of Complement by Macrophages and Modulation of Their Functions Through Complement Activation.Springer Book Archives