Numerous studies have pointed to the key role of complement in the pathogenesis of retinal disease, particularly age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Reports about new gene associations and links to other physiological pathways are emerging almost on a weekly base. Several promising clinical candidates covering a wide area of potential treatment applications are in the pipelines of both industrial and academic groups. This indicates an increasing interest in complement as a therapeutic target. In view of these exciting discoveries, scientists from around the world convened at the First Aegean Conferences Conference on Inflammation and Retinal Disease: Complement Biology and Pathology (June 1017, 2007) in Crete, Greece, to discuss recent advances in this rapidly-evolving field. This volume represents a collection of topics on the functions of complement in eye diseases, pathophysiology, protein structures, and complement therapeutics discussed during the conference. Our sincere thanks to the contributing authors for the time and effort they have devoted to writing what I consider exceptionally informative chapters in a book that will have a significant impact on the complement field. We would also like to express my thanks to Rodanthi Lambris for her assistance in collating the chapters and preparing the documents for publication and I gratefully acknowledge the generous help provided by Dimitrios Lambris in managing the organization of this meeting. Finally, I also thank Andrea Macaluso of Springer Publishers for her supervision in this book's production. John D. Lambris Anthony P.

Comprehensive look at the pathology and biology of retinal inflammation Written by current, respected opthamologists and eye researchers Reports on age-related degeneration, gene-associations, and other physiological pathways to retinal inflammation Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
The Case for Complement and Inflammation in AMD: Open Questions.- The Role of Complement in AMD.- Multiple Interactions of Complement Factor H with Its Ligands in Solution: A Progress Report.- Genetic Control of Complement Activation in Humans and Age Related Macular Degeneration.- Bisretinoids of RPE Lipofuscin: Trigger for Complement Activation in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.- The Role of the Classical Complement Cascade in Synapse Loss During Development and Glaucoma.- A Role for Complement in Glaucoma?.- The ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter ABCA4: Structural and Functional Properties and Role in Retinal Disease.- Suppression of Drusen Formation by Compstatin, a Peptide Inhibitor of Complement C3 activation, on Cynomolgus Monkey with Early-Onset Macular Degeneration.- A Targeted Inhibitor of the Complement Alternative Pathway Reduces RPE Injury and Angiogenesis in Models of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.- Complement Depletion with Humanized Cobra Venom Factor in a Mouse Model of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.