Final answer:
Complement has been found to activate regulatory T cells (Treg), which are essential in modulating the immune response and preventing autoimmune diseases by suppressing other T cell responses.
Step-by-step explanation:
In finishing an immune response, complement has recently been shown to activate regulatory T cells (Treg), sometimes referred to as suppressor T cells. These cells are crucial for normal immune system function and help in preventing an overactive immune response, which could potentially lead to autoimmune diseases. Tregs accomplish this by suppressing the activity of other T cells, including effector T cells like cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells, that have been activated during an immune response.
The role of complement in immune regulation has expanded our understanding of immune system complexity, highlighting its interplay with different components of the adaptive immune system. Importantly, these interactions illustrate the immune system's checks and balances that prevent an overzealous immune response that might otherwise damage the host's own tissues.