COMPLEMENT RESISTANCE OF PARASITES

The complement system is a first-line defence mechanism against parasi tes. All parasites causing deep infections and getting into contact wi th human plasma must, in one way or another, avoid the destructive eff ect of this powerful defence system. Several specific strategies of co mplement resistance of parasites have been reported, and this rather l arge spectrum of regulatory mechanisms covers the whole cascade of com plement activation. Analysis of the known and elucidation of the yet u nknown mechanisms will probably help in the development of new therape utic and preventive approaches to control the different parasitic dise ases. This paper will review the complement resistance mechanisms repo rted and their utilization by various parasites.