Regulation of complement by cartilage oligomeric matrix protein allows for a novel molecular diagnostic principle in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

COMP is the first extracellular matrix protein for which an active role in inflammation has been demonstrated in vivo. It can activate one complement pathway at the same time as it has the potential to inhibit another. The net outcome of these interactions is most likely determined by the type of released COMP fragments, which may be disease specific.