The complement system in teleost fish constitutes a cornerstone of innate defence, integrating classical, lectin and alternative activation routes to eliminate pathogens and shape inflammatory ...

Allergic asthma is driven by a complex interplay between innate and adaptive immunity in which the complement system plays a central role. Activation of complement via the classical, lectin or ...

Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three important host proteins that dampen the activity of the complement system, a key component of early antiviral immunity. This significantly ...

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American The very first line of defence against any ...

Louse-borne relapsing fever is an acute bacterial infection that triggers recurring episodes of high fever. It is caused by the spirochete Borrelia recurrentis, which is a spiral-shaped bacterium ...

Among people with sickle cell disease—an inherited blood disorder—acute chest syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of death. The condition is the result of red blood cells becoming stiff, sticky, and ...

Humans are protected by two branches of the immune system. Innate immunity provides built-in defense against widespread characteristics of bacteria and viruses, while adaptive immunity memorizes ...