CFH competes with complement factor H related protein-3 (CFHR3) for binding to fHbp on the meningococcus [9]; CFHR3 is a competitive inhibitor of CFH binding to the meningococcal surface, and relative levels of CFH and CFHR3 in individuals are likely to determine host genetic susceptibility to meningococcal disease in the general population [9]. Here, CFHR3 is linked to meningococcal infection.