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Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
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A new perspective on the pathophysiology of kidney diseases: the intracellular complement system- "complosome"

Emre Leventoğlu1, Sevcan A Bakkaloğlu2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Türkiye.

Frontiers in Nephrology
|May 15, 2026
PubMed

Insights

The complement system, crucial for immunity, impacts kidney diseases through its pathways. Targeting both its extracellular and intracellular functions offers new therapeutic strategies for complement-driven conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • The complement cascade is a key part of innate immunity, involving ~50 proteins and three activation pathways (classical, lectin, alternative).
  • Complement system dysregulation is linked to kidney diseases like lupus nephritis and C3 glomerulopathy.
  • Beyond immunity, the intracellular complement system (complosome) regulates cellular functions, also implicated in kidney injury and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complement system's role in immune defense.
  • To discuss the alternative pathway's impact on kidney diseases.
  • To explore the relationship between intracellular complement activity and cellular functions, including therapeutic implications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of complement system functions and dysregulation in kidney diseases.
  • Analysis of the alternative pathway's specific role in renal pathology.
  • Examination of the intracellular complement system (complosome) and its cellular effects.

Main Results:

  • The complement system is integral to immune responses and its dysregulation drives various kidney pathologies.
  • The alternative pathway significantly contributes to kidney disease pathogenesis.
  • Intracellular complement activity (complosome) influences cellular processes relevant to kidney health and disease.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting both extracellular and intracellular complement components presents a promising therapeutic avenue for complement-mediated kidney diseases.
  • Understanding the dual role of the complement system offers new strategies for treating renal pathologies.

Keywords:
complement systemcomplosomeimmunologykidney diseasenephrology

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