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Complement Factors in COVID-19 Therapeutics and Vaccines
Liriye Kurtovic1, James G Beeson2
1Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Trends in Immunology
|January 6, 2021
Summary
The complement system, crucial for immunity, may protect against SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing antibody neutralization and viral clearance. This suggests therapeutic and vaccine potential for COVID-19 treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pathogen Response
Background:
- The complement system is vital for immune defense against pathogens.
- Its role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunity is debated due to observed activation in severe COVID-19.
- Potential protective functions of complement in viral infections are often overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential protective role of the complement system in SARS-CoV-2 immunity.
- To investigate how complement may contribute to antiviral responses against SARS-CoV-2.
- To identify therapeutic and vaccine targets related to complement and SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on complement function and SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
- Hypothesizing mechanisms of complement-mediated antiviral activity.
- Analysis of immune cell interactions and viral clearance pathways.
Main Results:
- Complement activation, while prominent in severe COVID-19, may also confer protective benefits.
- Complement can enhance antibody-dependent virus neutralization.
- Complement promotes phagocytosis of SARS-CoV-2 by immune cells and may contribute to viral lysis.
Conclusions:
- The complement system possesses protective functions against SARS-CoV-2 that warrant further investigation.
- Harnessing complement's antiviral properties could lead to novel therapeutics and vaccines for COVID-19.
- Understanding complement's dual role is critical for managing SARS-CoV-2 infections.
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