Symposium on the Pathogenetic Mechanisms in Nephritis

Kidney International (1989) 35, 993–1003; doi:10.1038/ki.1989.83

Physiological and pathological aspects of circulating immune complexes

Jürg A Schifferli1 and Ronald P Taylor2

  1. 1Clinique Médicale, Département de Médecine, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
  2. 2Department of Biochemistry, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA

Correspondence: Jürg A Schifferli, Clinique Médicale, Département de Médecine, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.

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Abstract

The formation of immune complexes (IC), due to the interaction of foreign substances with specific antibodies, is a physiological process which constitutes an essential part of man's normal immune defense mechanisms. This reaction is generally followed by one or more secondary reactions, all of which enable the body to neutralize and clear microorganisms and non-self molecules (in the form of IC after antibody binding) that have penetrated the various body barriers. Inactivation and elimination of these "invaders" prevents their deposition (localization) where they might multiply (in the case of microorganisms) or induce specific damage (toxins or enzymes). IC formation followed by these secondary reactions (such as complement fixation) enhances MPS clearance mechanisms and prevents interaction with specific sites in the body that could be damaged by deposition. This entire dynamic process must be very efficient under normal circumstances, because although we are constantly exposed to and challenged by foreign pathogens, IC do not normally accumulate in blood or organs.

Abbreviations:

BSA, bovine serum albumin; DNP, dinitrophenyl; dsDNA, double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid; GBM, glomerular basement membrane; HBSAg, hepatitis B surface antigen; IA, immune adherence; IC, immune complex(es); IIP, inhibition of immune precipitation; MPS, mononuclear phagocytic system; RF, rheumatoid factor; TT, tetanus toxoid

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