properdin

The normal levels of plasma C1q, properdin, Bb, C4BP, factor H, and C3 were 61.96 [+ or -] 10.50 [micro]g/mL, 22.58 [+ or -] 9.67 [micro]g/mL, 0.69 [+ or -] 0.45 [micro]g/mL, 326.59 [+ or -] 87.25 [micro]g/mL, 515.04 [+ or -] 134.08 [micro]g/mL, and 0.80 [+ or -] 0.17mg/mL, respectively.

TABLE Patients at high risk for meningococcal disease * Individuals with persistent complement component deficiency, such as C5-C9, properdin, or factor D * People with functional or anatomical asplenia * Microbiologists working with Neisseria meningitidis * Travelers to, or residents of, countries where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or epidemic Source: CDC.

* Infants with complement component deficiencies such as C3, C5-9, properdin, factor H, and factor D deficiencies.

They discuss such topics as B cell signaling and fate decision; immune function control; the molecular components, geometry, and timing of T cell activation and synapse formation; the influence of bacterial carbohydrates on the adaptive immune system; new findings on properdin and the role in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; allergy vaccines based on allergen structures; adaptive immune regulation in the gastrointestinal tract; the acute inflammatory response and sterile stimuli; the role of antibodies in HIV vaccines; and functions of notch signaling in the immune system.

(18) In May 2007, NACI recommended the use of the quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine for immunization of persons 2-55 years in the following high-risk groups: persons with anatomic or functional asplenia; persons who have complement, properdin, or factor D deficiencies; travelers when meningococcal vaccine is indicated, including pilgrims to the Hajj in Mecca; research, industrial, and clinical laboratory personnel who are routinely exposed to N.

It also increases properdin levels, which accounts for its antibiotic effects.

This study indicates that a combined deficiency of both properdin and MBL increases the risk of infection with N.

Gliatech is developing therapeutic antibodies to properdin as potential treatments for acute inflammatory conditions which result from cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, heart attacks and stroke.

ACIP has previously recommended routine vaccination of persons aged [greater than or equal to] 2 months who have certain medical conditions that increase risk for meningococcal disease (1), including persons who have persistent (e.g., genetic) deficiencies in the complement pathway (e.g., C3, properdin, Factor D, Factor H, or C5-C9); persons receiving eculizumab (Soliris, Alexion Pharmaceuticals) for treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome or paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (because the drug binds C5 and inhibits the terminal complement pathway); and persons with functional or anatomic asplenia (including persons with sickle cell disease).