Alternative pathway diagnostics

Uncontrolled alternative pathway activation is the primary driver of several diseases, and it contributes to the pathogenesis of many others. Consequently, diagnostic tests to monitor this arm of the complement system are increasingly important. Defects in alternative pathway regulation are strong risk factors for disease, and drugs that specifically block the alternative pathway are entering clinical use. A range of diagnostic tests have been developed to evaluate and monitor the alternative pathway, including assays to measure its function, expression of alternative pathway constituents, and activation fragments. Genetic studies have also revealed many disease-associated variants in alternative pathway genes that predict the risk of disease and prognosis. Newer imaging modalities offer the promise of non-invasively detecting and localizing pathologic complement activation. Together, these various tests help in the diagnosis of disease, provide important prognostic information, and can help guide therapy with complement inhibitory drugs.

Automated summary

Uncontrolled alternative pathway activation plays a crucial role in the development of various diseases and contributes to their pathogenesis. Therefore, the development and use of diagnostic tests to monitor the alternative pathway is of increasing importance. These tests assess the function, expression, and activation fragments of the alternative pathway. Genetic studies have identified disease-associated variants in alternative pathway genes that can predict disease risk and prognosis. Additionally, new imaging modalities offer non-invasive detection and localization of pathologic complement activation.