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Antibodies Against Complement Components: Relevance for the Antiphospholipid Syndrome—Biomarkers of the Disease and Biopharmaceuticals

  • Antiphospholipid Syndrome (S Zuily, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Laboratory criterion for the diagnosis of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL Abs). Complement system has a role in mediating aPL Abs-induced thrombosis in animal models. The importance of antibodies against complement components (potential biomarkers of APS) and the importance of antibodies with beneficial anti-complement effects in APS (as biopharmaceuticals) are reviewed.

Recent Findings

Antibodies against complement components described in APS patients, so far, are anti-C1q and anti-factor H Abs, although anti-factor B Abs and anti-C5a Abs were described in animal models of APS. Clinical studies in APS patients are limited to a small number of case reports.

Summary

Studies that would confirm potential role of Abs against complement components (as potential biomarkers of APS) are lacking. Lack of randomized clinical trials (that would provide complete data for confirmation of beneficial effects of biopharmaceuticals in complement inhibition) in APS is alarming.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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  1. Medical Faculty, Department of Pharmacy, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, Novi Sad, 21000, Serbia

    Mirjana Bećarević

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Antiphospholipid Syndrome

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Bećarević, M. Antibodies Against Complement Components: Relevance for the Antiphospholipid Syndrome—Biomarkers of the Disease and Biopharmaceuticals. Curr Rheumatol Rep 19, 40 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-017-0669-1

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