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Related Concept Videos

Complement System01:27

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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...
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Proteins are the building block of life. They are also  the most abundant macromolecules with as many diverse roles in the body. They are part of many structural components that provide unique shapes and structures to animal cells, tissues, and organs. In addition, they also act as biological catalysts and carry out several anabolic and catabolic reactions. Notably, some proteins are chemical messengers and regulate many critical processes, such as metabolism, growth, and development. They...
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The human body is composed of cells that are fundamentally made up of several different molecules. These molecules are essential to carry out all physiological processes in the body and are broadly classified into organic and inorganic based on their chemical structures.
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Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 11, 2026

Functional Complementation Analysis FCA: A Laboratory Exercise Designed and Implemented to Supplement the Teaching of Biochemical Pathways
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Functional Complementation Analysis FCA: A Laboratory Exercise Designed and Implemented to Supplement the Teaching of Biochemical Pathways

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Complement in the fundamental processes of the cell.

Owen A Hawksworth1, Liam G Coulthard2, Trent M Woodruff3

  • 1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia; Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia.

Molecular Immunology
|November 30, 2016
PubMed
Summary

The complement system, beyond immunity, regulates crucial cell processes from fertilization to brain development and tissue repair. Further research is needed to uncover its full role in fundamental cell functions.

Keywords:
ComplementDevelopmentHomeostasisMigrationPruningRegenerationSurvival

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • The complement system was traditionally viewed as solely an immune activator.
  • Emerging evidence reveals complement proteins influence diverse cellular functions beyond immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of complement system roles in non-immune cellular processes.
  • To highlight the involvement of complement in development, homeostasis, and tissue repair.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on complement system functions.
  • Analysis of studies detailing complement's role in fertilization, organogenesis, and neural development.
  • Examination of complement's impact on adult tissue homeostasis and cell repair mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Complement system activity is crucial from early development (fertilization, organogenesis, synapse refinement) to adult tissue homeostasis.
  • Complement proteins regulate fundamental cell processes including migration, survival, repair, and regeneration.
  • The known functions of the complement system represent a fraction of its total roles.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system possesses multifaceted roles extending far beyond innate immunity.
  • Understanding complement's non-immune functions is critical for advancing cell biology and regenerative medicine.
  • Further investigation into complement pathways is warranted to fully elucidate its fundamental cellular roles.