The complement system in cancer: Ambivalence between tumour destruction and promotion

Abstract Constituting a part of the innate immune system, the complement system consists of over 50 proteins either acting as part of a 3-branch activation cascade, a well-differentiated regulatory system in fluid phase or on each tissue, or as receptors translating the activation signal to multiple...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Immunobiology (1979) 2017-01, Vol.222 (1), p.45-54
Main Authors: Mamidi, Srinivas, Höne, Simon, Kirschfink, Michael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advanced Basic Science
Allergy and Immunology
Animals
Antibodies, Monoclonal - pharmacology
Antibodies, Monoclonal - therapeutic use
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological - pharmacology
Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological - therapeutic use
C3a
C5a
Cancer
Complement Activation - immunology
Complement regulatory proteins
Complement System Proteins - immunology
Complement System Proteins - metabolism
Complement-dependent cytotoxicity
Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
Gene Knockdown Techniques
Humans
Immunomodulation
Immunotherapy - methods
Neoplasms - immunology
Neoplasms - metabolism
Neoplasms - pathology
Neoplasms - therapy
Opsonisation
Protein Engineering
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Summary:Abstract Constituting a part of the innate immune system, the complement system consists of over 50 proteins either acting as part of a 3-branch activation cascade, a well-differentiated regulatory system in fluid phase or on each tissue, or as receptors translating the activation signal to multiple cellular effector functions. Complement serves as first line of defence against infections from bacteria, viruses and parasites by orchestrating the immune response through opsonisation, recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection and direct cell lysis. Complement is generally recognised as a protective mechanism against the formation of tumours in humans, but is often limited by various resistance mechanisms interfering with its cytotoxic action, now considered as a great barrier of successful antibody-based immunotherapy. However, recent studies also indicate a pro-tumourigenic potential of complement in certain cancers and under certain conditions. In this review, we present recent findings on the possible dual role of complement in destroying cancer, especially if resistance mechanisms are blocked, but also under certain inflammatory conditions—promoting tumour development.
ISSN:0171-2985
1878-3279
DOI:10.1016/j.imbio.2015.11.008