Innate immunity in the nervous system.
The complement (C) system plays a central role in innate immunity and bridges innate and adaptive immune responses. A fine balance of C activation and regulation mediates the elimination of invading pathogens and the protection of the host from excessive C deposition on healthy tissues. If this delicate balance is disrupted, the C system may cause injury and contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and neuropathies. Here we review evidence indicating that C factors and regulators are locally synthesized in the nervous system and we discuss the evidence supporting the protective or detrimental role of C activation in health, injury, and disease of the nerve.
Ramaglia
V
V
Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Baas
F
F
D000818:Animals; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate / Q000502:physiology*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000276:immunology*
D003165:Complement System Proteins