The Complosome: An Emerging Intracellular Complement Network in Cancer Development and Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The complement system is crucial for innate immunity and tissue homeostasis.
• Its role in cancer is increasingly recognized, extending beyond extracellular functions.
• The intracellular complement system (complosome) directly impacts cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the canonical and non-canonical roles of complement in cancer.
• To highlight the dual, context-dependent effects of complement signaling in tumors.
• To emphasize the complosome as a distinct signaling network in cancer biology.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current evidence on complement in cancer.
• Analysis of extracellular and intracellular complement functions.
• Discussion of complement's context-dependent duality in tumor biology.

Main Results:

• Complement acts as a multifaceted regulator of tumor biology, both extracellularly and intracellularly.
• The complosome directly influences cancer cell metabolism, proliferation, autophagy, and survival.
• Complement signaling exhibits context-dependent duality, with tumor-promoting or restraining effects.

Conclusions:

• The complosome is a distinct signaling network, not just an extension of classical complement.
• Complement's dual role in cancer necessitates context-specific understanding.
• The complosome represents a promising target for novel cancer therapies and further research.