Description

Complement activation is an important component of our innate immune system to fight infection. However, its activation was also recently shown to be associated with hyperhemolytic transfusion reactions as seen in patients with sickle cell disease. Deficiency in complement is associated with autoimmunity. Complement plays an important role in development of adaptive immune response, specifically B cells and more recently T cells. In this session, we will review the recent data complement activation in DHTRs and how complement inhibition through use of anti-C5 has shown efficacy in these conditions. We will highlight the recent developments in the mechanisms of complement-mediated B and T activation and precipitation of autoimmunity.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss role of complement activation in severe hyperhemolytic delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions and use of anti-C5 therapies.
• Describe the role of complement activation in enhancement of B cell responses.
• Discuss the interaction of complement activation and T cell responses.

Speaker(s):

• Satheesh Chonat, M.D, Emory University School of Medicine; Aflac CAncer and Blood Disorders Center
• Lubka T. Roumenina, Cordeliers Research Center, INSERM UMRS 1138
• Sean Stowell, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Emory University School of Medicine