Elsevier

Kidney International

Volume 35, Issue 4, April 1989, Pages 993-1003
Kidney International

Symposium on the Pathogenetic Mechanisms in Nephritis
Physiological and pathological aspects of circulating immune complexes

https://doi.org/10.1038/ki.1989.83Get rights and content
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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.

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