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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Mice and Evaluation of the Disease-dependent Distribution of Immune Cells in Various Tissues
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The Role of the C3a-C3aR Pathway in Diseases: Latest Research Advances

Xiangwei Bo1, Mi Wang2, Yang Liu3

  • 1Department of Health Medicine, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210002, China, nju.edu.cn.

Mediators of Inflammation
|April 18, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The C3a-C3aR pathway is crucial in immune regulation and disease. Targeting this pathway shows promise for treating inflammatory, cardiovascular, autoimmune diseases, and tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pathophysiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The complement system's C3a molecule and its receptor (C3aR) are vital in physiological and pathological processes.
  • The C3a-C3aR pathway significantly influences immune regulation.
  • This pathway is implicated in inflammatory, cardiovascular, autoimmune diseases, and cancer development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the fundamental functions of the C3a-C3aR pathway.
  • To summarize recent research on C3a-C3aR mechanisms in specific diseases.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the C3a-C3aR pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on the C3a-C3aR pathway.
  • Synthesis of findings related to kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, and tumors.
  • Analysis of the pathway's role in disease pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • The C3a-C3aR pathway is a central mediator in diverse pathological conditions.
  • Recent studies highlight specific molecular mechanisms driving disease progression via C3a-C3aR.
  • Evidence suggests C3a-C3aR involvement across a spectrum of organ systems and disease types.

Conclusions:

  • The C3a-C3aR pathway is a significant factor in immune responses and disease.
  • Targeting C3a-C3aR presents a promising therapeutic strategy for multiple diseases.
  • Further research into C3a-C3aR mechanisms could unlock novel treatment avenues.

Keywords:
C3a-C3aR pathwayautoimmune diseasescancercardiovascular diseasesinflammationkidney diseasesneurodegenerative diseasestherapeutic target

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