Nervous immunity: A study on the role of complement system in neuronal degeneration and regeneration

This thesis describes research that shows that activation of the immune system is it not always beneficial. An activated immune system in the brain or in the peripheral nerves acts as a dual edged sword. A little activation is required for normal function, clearance and inhibiting disease progression. Chronic and massive activation of the immune system often results in excess damage and a more rapid disease progression and/or poorer outcome of the disease. Inhibition of the complement system can result in improved regeneration and delay of the disease progression, but the activation state of the complement system in each given stage of the disease should be carefully considered prior to inhibiting the terminal complement activation, membrane attack complex (MAC) formation.