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Complement System

Complement System

The complement system is a group of approximately 20 plasma proteins that strengthen the body's defenses against infections through opsonization, inflammation, and cell lysis. Opsonization involves coating pathogens with complement proteins, making them more recognizable and facilitating phagocyte engulfment. Certain complement proteins induce inflammation that attracts immune cells to the site of infection. Cell lysis involves the destruction of pathogens through the formation of a membrane...

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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion

Published on: June 15, 2019

Cancer and the complement cascade.

Martin J Rutkowski¹, Michael E Sughrue, Ari J Kane

¹Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.

Molecular Cancer Research : MCR

|September 28, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The complement cascade, a part of innate immunity, may surprisingly promote cancer development. This review explores how complement proteins drive key cancer features like proliferation and immune evasion.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Oncology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Inflammation and immunosurveillance are well-studied in tumors.
The oncogenic role of the complement cascade in cancer remains under-explored.
Emerging evidence suggests complement proteins may contribute to tumor growth and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the hypothesis that complement proteins promote carcinogenesis.
To elucidate mechanisms by which complement drives fundamental cancer features.
To re-evaluate the role of complement in neoplasia beyond its traditional immune functions.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on complement system functions.
Analysis of evidence linking complement proteins to cancer hallmarks.
Exploration of proposed molecular mechanisms.

Main Results:

Complement proteins facilitate dysregulation of mitogenic signaling pathways.
Evidence indicates complement promotes sustained cellular proliferation and angiogenesis.
Complement aids in insensitivity to apoptosis, invasion, migration, and immune evasion.

Conclusions:

The complement cascade may act as an oncogenic driver, contrary to its role in cancer defense.
Complement proteins can promote fundamental cancer characteristics, suggesting a dual role in neoplasia.
A paradigm shift is needed to consider complement's contribution to cancer development.