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Roles of the complement system in human neurodegenerative disorders

Pro-inflammatory and tissue remodeling activities

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Abstract

Complement is an important component of the innate immune response with the capacity to recognize and clear infectious challenges that invade the CNS through a damaged blood brain barrier. For instance, the membrane attack complex is involved in cytotoxic and cytolytic activities while other smaller fragments lead to cell activation (chemotaxis) and phagocytosis of the intruders. It is noteworthy that there is a growing body of evidence that uncontrolled complement biosynthesis and activation in the CNS can contribute to exacerbate the neuronal loss in several neurodegenerative disorders. We provide here an insightful review of the double-edged sword activities of the local innate complement system in the CNS and discuss further the potential therapeutic avenues of delivering complement inhibitors to control brain inflammation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Wales College of Medicine, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK

    Philippe Gasque, Sim K. Singhrao, Eamon P. McGreal, Yann D. Dean, Johan van Beek & B. Paul Morgan

  2. Department of Pathology (Neuropathology Laboratory), University of Wales College of Medicine, CF14 4XN, Cardiff, UK

    Jim W. Neal

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  1. Philippe Gasque
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  2. Jim W. Neal
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  3. Sim K. Singhrao
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Correspondence to Philippe Gasque.

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Gasque, P., Neal, J.W., Singhrao, S.K. et al. Roles of the complement system in human neurodegenerative disorders. Mol Neurobiol 25, 1–17 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1385/MN:25:1:001

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