The Complement System, Aging, and Aging-Related Diseases
Runzi Zheng1, Yanghuan Zhang1, Ke Zhang1
1Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of Aging and Tumor, Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jing Ming Road, Kunming 650500, China.
Insights
The complement system, crucial for immunity, is increasingly linked to aging and related diseases. Understanding its complex role is key to developing balanced treatments for age-related conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
Background:
- The complement system is a vital part of innate and adaptive immunity.
- It comprises multiple components and three activation pathways: classical, lectin, and alternative.
- Emerging evidence suggests the complement system's involvement in the aging process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research on the complement system's role in aging.
- To explore its impact on age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, AMD, and osteoarthritis.
- To highlight the need for a balanced approach in complement-targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on complement system function.
- Analysis of research linking complement to aging hallmarks (inflammation, metabolism, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, Wnt signaling).
- Examination of complement's role in specific age-related diseases.
Main Results:
- The complement system influences key aging processes.
- It is significantly implicated in the pathogenesis of major age-related diseases.
- Current understanding of complement's precise role in aging and disease remains incomplete.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of the complement system's interaction with aging is essential.
- Targeting complement pathways may offer therapeutic strategies for aging and related diseases.
- Therapeutic interventions should focus on balancing complement activity rather than inhibiting single components.
Abstract:
The complement system is a part of the immune system and consists of multiple complement components with biological functions such as defense against pathogens and immunomodulation. The complement system has three activation pathways: the classical pathway, the lectin pathway, and the alternative pathway. Increasing evidence indicates that the complement system plays a role in aging. Complement plays a role in inflammatory processes, metabolism, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and Wnt signaling pathways. In addition, the complement system plays a significant role in aging-related diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, age-related macular degeneration, and osteoarthritis. However, the effect of complement on aging and aging-related diseases is still unclear. Thus, a better understanding of the potential relationship between complement, aging, and aging-related diseases will provide molecular targets for treating aging, while focusing on the balance of complement in during treatment. Inhibition of a single component does not result in a good outcome. In this review, we discussed the research progress and effects of complement in aging and aging-related diseases.
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