Congenital Defects in the Expression of the Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Complement Regulatory Proteins CD59 and Decay-Accelerating Factor

CD59 and decay-accelerating factor (DAF) are glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored complement regulatory proteins critical for regulating complement activation on the host cell surface. Defective expressions of CD59 or DAF caused by mutations in the genes coding for these proteins or genes involved in the biosynthesis of GPI, such as PIGA, PIT, and PIGM, are associated with various clinical symptoms that are mediated by dysregulated activation of complement, especially the C5 component. Eculizumab, an anti-C5 antibody, is effective in relieving the symptoms seen in patients with complement dysregulation.