Open Access

REVIEW

Is complement good, bad, or both? New functions of the complement factors associated with inflammation mechanisms in the central nervous system

Muriel Tahtouh, Françoise Croq, Christophe Lefebvre, Joël Pestel

Université de Lille 1 (Sciences et Technologies), Laboratoire de neuro-immunologie des annélides, CNRS FRE 2933, IFR 147, Villeneuve d’Ascq, France

* Corresponding Author: J. Pestel,

European Cytokine Network 2009, 20(3), 95-100. https://doi.org/10.1684/ecn.2009.0157

Accepted 29 May 2009;

Abstract

The complement system is well known as an enzyme cascade that helps to defend against infec-tions. Indeed, this ancestral system bridges innate and adaptive immunity. Its implication in diseases of the cen-tral nervous system (CNS), has led to an increased number of studies. Complement activation in the CNS has been generally considered to contribute to tissue damage. However, recent studies suggest that complement may be neuroprotective, and can participate in maintenance and repair of the adult brain. Here, we will review this dual role of complement proteins and some of their functional interactions with part of the chemokine and cytokine network associated with the protection of CNS integrity.

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Keywords

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