The Role of Complement in SLE

The complement system is central to the etiology and pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Complement activation is associated with increased disease activity and contributes to the tissue inflammation and organ damage that are the hallmarks of lupus, and deficiency of classic pathway complement components is one of the strongest genetic risk factors for this disease. Complement has long been known to intersect with the innate and adaptive immune system and the coagulation system, and more recent data showing its participation in handling of microparticles and immune cell metabolism provide additional mechanisms for its involvement in lupus. New developments have improved its use as a biomarker for lupus diagnosis and management, and the next step is to design and test complement-based therapeutics that will prevent the cumulative organ damage in lupus that is associated with chronic uncontrolled inflammation.