A double edged-sword - The Complement System during SARS-CoV-2 infection

Area of Science:

• Immunology and Virology

Background:

• Coronaviruses like SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 pose significant public health threats, causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
• The Complement System, a key part of innate and acquired immunity, is activated during viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the interactions between SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and the Complement System.
• To highlight the role of C3 in the severity of these coronavirus infections.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of existing literature on coronavirus-Complement System interactions.
• Focus on the dual role of the Complement System in different COVID-19 disease severities.

Main Results:

• The Complement System's role in coronavirus infections is complex and context-dependent.
• While protective in mild cases, Complement System activation can exacerbate damage and cytokine storms in severe COVID-19.
• C3 plays a central role in determining infection severity.

Conclusions:

• The Complement System's dual role in COVID-19 necessitates careful consideration for therapeutic strategies.
• Targeting the Complement System, particularly C3, shows promise as an additional therapy for severe COVID-19.
• Further research into Complement inhibitors is crucial for managing severe coronavirus infections.