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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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Updated: Jan 11, 2026

Evaluation of the Interplay Between the Complement Protein C1q and Hyaluronic Acid in Promoting Cell Adhesion
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Complement system in tumor growth and metastases.

Tsvetan Borisov1, Dimitar Metodiev2,3,4, Dilyan Ferdinandov1,5

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The complement system influences cancer metastasis by affecting invasion, circulation, and colonization. Understanding its dual role is crucial for developing targeted therapies and selecting patients for clinical trials.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The complement system is vital for host defense and homeostasis.
  • It interacts with cancer through complex, context-dependent mechanisms, influencing tumor growth.
  • Its role in cancer metastasis is multifaceted, involving both suppression and promotion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of the complement cascade on cancer metastasis.
  • To analyze the role of cell-intrinsic complement proteins in metastatic processes.
  • To discuss the therapeutic targeting of the complement system in metastatic cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of complement system's role in cancer metastasis.
  • Analysis of complement's involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal transition, circulation, and pre-metastatic niche formation.
  • Examination of therapeutic strategies targeting the complement cascade.

Main Results:

  • Complement influences local invasion, intravasation, and survival in circulation.
  • It plays a role in extravasation, pre-metastatic niche preparation, and colonization.
  • Therapeutic targeting of complement is under investigation in clinical trials for metastatic patients.

Conclusions:

  • The complement system significantly impacts multiple stages of cancer metastasis.
  • Targeting the complement cascade offers a promising therapeutic avenue.
  • Understanding cancer-type-specific roles and validating biomarkers are essential for effective clinical application.