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The complement cascade: Yin–Yang in neuroinflammation – neuro‐protection and ‐degeneration
Author(s) -
Alexander Jessy John,
Anderson Aileen Judith,
Barnum Scott Robert,
Stevens Beth,
Tenner Andrea Joan
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05668.x
Subject(s) - neuroinflammation , complement system , complement (music) , disease , neuroscience , inflammation , flexibility (engineering) , mechanism (biology) , medicine , immunology , immune system , biology , pathology , genetics , phenotype , philosophy , statistics , mathematics , epistemology , complementation , gene
The complement cascade has long been recognized to play a key role in inflammatory and degenerative diseases. It is a ‘double edged’ sword as it is necessary to maintain health, yet can have adverse effects when unregulated, often exacerbating disease. The contrasting effects of complement, depending on whether in a setting of health or disease, is the price paid to achieve flexibility in scope and degree of a protective response for the host from infection and injury. Loss or even decreased efficiency of critical regulatory control mechanisms can result in aggravated inflammation and destruction of self‐tissue. The role of the complement cascade is poorly understood in the nervous system and neurological disorders. Novel studies have demonstrated that the expression of complement proteins in brain varies in different cell types and the effects of complement activation in various disease settings appear to differ. Understanding the functioning of this cascade is essential, as it has therapeutic implications. In this review, we will attempt to provide insight into how this complex cascade functions and to identify potential strategic targets for therapeutic intervention in chronic diseases as well as acute injury in the CNS.