Deficiency of classical pathway complement components displays a hierarchical association
with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Individuals with deficiency of
C1q, the first component of the classical pathway of activation, have the highest prevalence
of SLE and the most severe manifestations of the disease. However, complement is also
implicated in the effector inflammatory phase of the autoimmune response that characterizes
SLE. Complement proteins are deposited in inflamed tissues causing consumption of …