Summarizing illustration on the effects of excessive complement activation on various organ systems and the development of organ failure. For details see text. MBL: mannose-binding lectin, CNS: central nervous system, BBB: blood brain barrier, PMN: polymorphonuclear neutrophils, ARDS: acute respiratory distress syndrome, ATIII: antithrombin III, RES: reticuloendothelial system, GFR: glomerular filtration rate, ATN: acute tubular necrosis, FX: coagulation factor X, FII: coagulation factor II, TF: tissue factor, DIC: disseminated intravascular coagulation.
