Anti-factor H Autoantibodies Assay by ELISA.

The complement system is a part of the immune system implicated in host defense against pathogens and damaged cells and Factor H is the main regulatory protein of this powerful enzymatic cascade. Autoantibodies directed against Factor H (anti-FH antibodies) are implicated in different pathologies mainly atypical hemolytic and uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathies. The detection and quantification of these autoantibodies are crucial for the clinical management of the patients.Anti-Factor H antibodies are detected and quantified by an ELISA assay. The aim of this chapter is to describe the procedure to determine anti-FH autoantibodies and to provide information about their biological significance.