Isolation of human complement factors C3, C5 and H

An improved method for simultaneous purification of complement factors C3, C5 and H from human plasma has been developed. Using an initial batch separation technique with QAE-Sephadex, followed by chromatography on SP-Sephadex and gel filtration in Sephadex G-200, 600 mg of highly pure C3 can be prepared from 1600 ml of plasma. Simultaneously about 70 mg of highly pure factor H and 30 mg of C5 are obtained by chromatography of post SP-Sephadex material on DEAE-Sephacel. A small amount of C3 in the C5 pool is removed by anti-C3-Sepharose. By maleylation or citraconylation of reduced and alkylated C3, the constitutive polypeptide chains are modified in a way that made them separable by ion exchange chromatography.     

Human complement C3 deficiency: Th1 induction requires T cell-derived complement C3a and CD46 activation

Human T helper type 1 (Th1) responses are essential in defense. Although T cell receptor (TCR) and co-stimulator engagement are indispensable for T cell activation, stimulation of additional receptor pathways are also necessary for effector induction. For example, engagement of the complement regulator CD46 by its ligand C3b generated upon TCR activation is required for IFN-γ production as CD46-deficient patients lack Th1 responses. Utilizing T cells from two C3-deficient patients we demonstrate here that normal Th1 responses also depend on signals mediated by the anaphylatoxin C3a receptor (C3aR). Importantly, and like in CD46-deficient patients, whilst Th1 induction are impaired in C3-deficient patients in vitro, their Th2 responses are unaffected. Furthermore, C3-deficient CD4⁺ T cells present with reduced expression of CD25 and CD122, further substantiating the growing notion that complement fragments regulate interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) assembly and that disturbance of complement-guided IL-2R assembly contributes to aberrant Th1 effector responses. Lastly, sustained intrinsic production of complement fragments may participate in the Th1 contraction phase as both C3a and CD46 engagement regulate IL-10 co-expression in Th1 cells. These data suggest that C3aR and CD46 activation via intrinsic generation of their respective ligands is an integral part of human Th1 (but not Th2) immunity.     

Expression of the anaphylatoxin receptors C3aR and C5aR is increased in fatal asthma

BACKGROUND: The mechanisms leading to death from asthma are not completely understood. Recent studies suggest the involvement of the anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, generated during complement activation, and their receptors C3aR and C5aR in the pathogenesis of asthma. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of C3aR and C5aR in fatal asthma. METHODS: We analyzed lung tissue from 14 subjects who died of asthma (fatal asthma; FA) and 14 subjects who died of nonpulmonary causes (controls) and bronchial biopsy specimens from 16 subjects with mild intermittent asthma (MIA). C3aR and C5aR expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and a semiquantitative analysis of the intensity of staining was performed according to a visual analogue scale (score, 0-3). RESULTS: C3aR was expressed on airway epithelium, smooth muscle, submucosal, and parenchymal vessels. C5aR was expressed on myeloid cells infiltrating the submucosa and on airway epithelium. Statistical analysis demonstrated higher expression of C3aR on submucosal vessels in FA compared with controls and MIA (median [minimum-maximum], controls, 0.24 [0-1.48]; MIA, 0.0 [0-1.00]; FA, 1.56 [0.13-3]; P = .002). C3aR was also increased on parenchymal vessels in FA (controls, 0.56 [0-2.00]; FA, 1.81 [0.5-3]; P = .0004). C5aR expression on airway epithelium was increased in FA compared with controls and MIA (controls, 1.25 [0.25-3]; MIA, 1.00 [0-2.00]; FA, 3.00 [1.13-3.00]; P = .001). CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest a role of complement in FA.     

Human CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells express a range of complement receptors and C3 activation has negative effects on these cell activity and effector function

CD3⁺CD56⁺NKT-like cells are a rare population of lymphocytes that serve important roles in various types of immune-related diseases, and particularly in cancer. The complement system regulates inflammatory and immune responses by interacting with complement receptors expressed on a range of immune cells. However, whether CD3⁺CD56⁺NKT-like cells are regulated by the complement system has still not been definitively determined. In the present study, the expression of complement receptors and regulators in gated CD3⁺CD56⁺NKT-like cells isolated from human peripheral blood was assessed using PCR and flow cytometry. The results showed that human CD3⁺CD56⁺NKT-like cells expressed a range of complement receptors and regulators, such as CR3, C3aR, C5aR, C5L2, CD46 and CD55. Furthermore, the presence of complement component 3 (C3), a key component in complement activation in culture supernatant, mitigated the activity, IFN-γ production and killing function of CD3⁺CD56⁺NKT-like cells. The present study provides evidences supporting the relationship between complement activation and functional modulation of CD3⁺CD56⁺NKT-like cells, expanding our knowledge of the complement regulatory network, and also highlighting a potential target for treatment of numerous immune-related diseases, particularly NKT cell-based tumor adoptive immunotherapy.     

Functional identification of the stable transfection C5aR cell line Molt-4

The complement C5 anaphylatoxin receptor is a member of the seven transmembrane-spanning G protein-coupled receptor superfamily that signals through Gcxi and Gtz16. C5aR is mostly expressed on neutrophils, macrophages and endothelial cells. C5a and C5aR interaction plays an important role in numerous biological effects such as in vivo cytokine storm which results in inflammatory damage. Considering the limitation of collection of human peripheral blood neutrophils and their short half life, the stably transfected cell line for studying the biological effects of C5aR is needed. In this study, we transfected C5aR gene into Molt-4 cell line and examined the function of ectopic C5aR. Our results showed stable expression of the C5aR in Molt-4 cell line and their interaction with human C5a induced ERKI/2 phosphorylation, Ca＋＋ influx. This stable transfected cell line may provide a useful tool for studying signal pathways related to C5a and C5aR interplay and antibody development specific for C5aR. Cellular ＆ Molecular Immunology.     

C5aR1促进神经干细胞增殖作用的实验研究

目的研究C5aR1在新生小鼠脑内及体外培养神经干细胞内的表达规律,探索C5aR1对神经干细胞增殖调节的作用。方法以免疫组化方法检测在新生小鼠脑内及体外培养的神经干细胞内C5aR1的表达;培养C5aR基因敲除小鼠来源的神经干细胞,同时利用C5aR拮抗剂处理正常小鼠来源的神经干细胞,分别观察神经干细胞的增殖状态,分析C5aR1对神经干细胞增殖的调节作用。结果 1)在新生小鼠脑内,C5aR1主要表达于海马和室下区等神经干细胞分布区域;2)C5aR1与nestin共表达于体外培养的神经干细胞内;3)C5aR特异性拮抗肽下调体外培养的神经干细胞内nestin表达并抑制其增殖;C5aR1基因敲除,神经干细胞的成球能力明显降低。结论 C5aR1在脑内以及神经干细胞内均有表达,对神经干细胞的增殖具有促进作用,其具体机制还有待进一步的实验研究。     

Complement C3-targeted therapy in C3 glomerulopathy,a prototype of complement-mediated kidney diseases

C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare and complex kidney disease that primarily affects young adults. Renal outcomes remain poor in the absence of specific treatment. C3G is driven by uncontrolled overactivation of the alternative complement pathway, which is mainly of acquired origin. Functional characterization of complement abnormalities (i.e., autoantibodies targeting complement components and variants in complement genes) identified in patients and experimental models of the disease improved the understanding of the disease, making C3G a prototype of complement-mediated diseases. The contribution of C3 convertase, as well as C5 convertase, in disease occurrence, phenotype, and severity is now well established, offering various potential therapeutic interventions. However, the lack of sufficient efficiency in anti-C5 therapy highlights the extreme complexity of the disease and the need for new therapeutic approaches based on C3 and C3 convertase axis inhibition. Here, we provide an overview of the complement activation mechanism involved in C3G and discuss therapeutic options based on complement inhibitors, with a specific focus on C3 inhibition.     

Complement activation in septic baboons detected by neoepitope-specific assays for C3b/iC3b/C3c, C5a and the terminal C5b-9 complement complex (TCC).

We have investigated the cross-reactivity of various species in neoepitope-specific methods for quantification of human complement activation products. In contrast to most other species examined, baboon showed a substantial cross-reactivity supporting a high degree of homology between human and baboon complement. An assay for C3b, iC3b and C3c (MoAb bH6) showed moderately good reactivity, in contrast to a C3a assay which did not cross-react. Excellent reactivity was found for C5a using MoAbs C17/5 and G25/2. The reactivity of an established TCC assay (MoAb aE11 to a C9 neoepitope and polyclonal antibody to C5) was improved substantially by replacing the anti-C5 antibody with a new MoAb to C6 particularly selected on the basis of baboon cross-reactivity. Plasma samples from baboons receiving 2.5 x 10(9) and 1.0 x 10(10) live Escherichia coli bacteria/kg were examined with the assays described. In vivo complement activation with the lowest dose was moderate and kept under control, in contrast to the highest dose, where an uncontrolled increase in all activation products continued throughout the infusion period. These results support the hypothesis that sufficiently high amounts of endotoxin lead to uncontrolled activation of complement as seen in irreversible septic shock. The results are discussed with particular emphasis on activation of the terminal complement pathway.     

补体裂解产物C5a的研究进展

C5a由C5裂解而来,由74个氨基酸构成,是一种潜在的前炎症因子。C5a在羧肽酶的作用下迅速变成C5adesArg,通过G蛋白受体经典的通路与C5aR结合后在天然免疫中和适应性免疫中均发挥着重要的作用,非G蛋白受体通路目前的研究还不明朗。研究发现,C5a是许多自身免疫性疾病的重要病原起始物,所以抑制C5a的释放在未来的治疗中是一个很好的策略和方向。     

Stringent regulation of complement lectin pathway C3/C5 convertase by C4b-binding protein (C4BP)

The complement lectin pathway, an essential component of the innate immune system, is geared for rapid recognition of infections as each C4b deposited via this pathway is capable of forming a C3/C5 convertase. In the present study, role of C4b-binding protein (C4BP) in regulating the lectin pathway C3/C5 convertase assembled on zymosan and sheep erythrocytes coated with mannan (E_Man) was examined. While the C4BP concentration for inhibiting 50% (IC₅₀) formation of surface-bound C3 convertase on the two surfaces was similar to that obtained for the soluble C3 convertase (1.05 nM), 3- and 41-fold more was required to inhibit assembly of the C5 convertase on zymosan (2.81 nM) and E_Man (42.66 nM). No difference in binding interactions between C4BP and surface-bound C4b alone or in complex with C3b was observed. Increasing the C4b density on zymosan (14,000–431,000 C4b/Zym) increased the number of C4b bound per C4BP from 2.87 to 8.23 indicating that at high C4b density all seven α-chains of C4BP are engaged in C4b-binding. In contrast, the number of C4b bound per C4BP remained constant (3.79 ± 0.60) when the C4b density on E_Man was increased. The data also show that C4BP regulates assembly and decay of the lectin pathway C3/C5 convertase more stringently than the classical pathway C3/C5 convertase because of a 7- to 13-fold greater affinity for C4b deposited via the lectin pathway than the classical pathway. C4BP thus regulates efficiently the four times greater potential of the lectin pathway than the classical pathway in generating the C3/C5 convertase and hence production of pro-inflammatory products, which are required to fight infections but occasionally cause pathological inflammatory reactions.     

Complement receptors type 1 (CR1, CD35) and 2 (CR2, CD21) cooperate in the binding of hydrolyzed complement factor 3 (C3i) to human B lymphocytes

The C3b-binding receptor, CR1/CD35, supports CR2/CD21-mediated activation of complement by human B lymphocytes, possibly by associating with CR2 to promote or stabilize the binding of hydrolyzed C3 (C3i), the primary component of the AP convertase, C3i-Bb. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examined the uptake kinetics and binding equilibria for C3i dimer interaction with human blood cells in the absence and presence of CR1- and CR2-blocking mAb. C3i displayed dual uptake kinetics to B lymphocytes, comprising of rapid binding to CR1 and slower binding to CR2. The forward rate constants (k(1)) for CR1 and CR2, operating independently, differed ca. 9-fold (k(1)=193+/-9.4 and 22.2+/-6.0 x 10(3) M(-1)s(-1), respectively). Equilibrium binding of C3i to B lymphocytes was also complex, varying in strength by ca. 13-fold over the C3i concentration range examined. The maximum association constant (K(a, max)=109+/-27.2 x 10(7) l/mole) was ca. 9- and 6-fold greater, respectively, than those for CR1 or CR2 acting alone (K(a)=13.2+/-5.3 and 18.5+/-3.5 x 10(7) l/mole). The high avidity of the CR1-CR2 complex for C3i is consistent with its rates of C3i uptake and release being determined by CR1 and CR2, respectively.     

肾炎患者血中C3d水平及CD16+单核巨噬细胞膜补体调节蛋白的表达

目的 :探讨肾炎患者补体激活时活化单核巨噬细胞 (CD16 Mo MΦ)膜辅因子蛋白 (MCP)、促衰变因子 (DAF)及同种限制因子 2 0 (HRF 2 0 )表达水平。方法 :采用流式细胞术测定 136例肾小球肾炎患者血中CD16 Mo MΦMCP、DAF和HRF 2 0表达水平 ,采用ELISA法测定血清C3d及荷C3d 免疫复合物的 (C3d IC)水平。结果 :MC病人血清C3d、C3d IC水平及血中CD16 Mo MΦMCP、DAF、HFR 2 0表达水平与正常组无显著差异 (P >0 0 5 ) ,GS、MN及PGN病人血清C3d水平、血中CD16 Mo MΦMCP、DAF、HRF 2 0表达水平及MN、PGN病人C3d IC水平均显著高于正常组 (P <0 0 1) ,且MCP、DAF、HRF 2 0表达水平与血清C3d水平呈显著正相关 (P <0 0 1)。结论 :肾小球肾炎补体激活时血中CD16 Mo MΦMCP、DAF、HRF 2 0表达水平显著上调 ,以保护CD16 Mo MΦ不被激活的补体损伤。从而 ,CD16 Mo MΦ浸润肾组织并产生促炎作用 ,参于肾小球肾炎的发病及发展。     

Inherited complement C3 deficiency: A defect in C3 secretion

The molecular basis of inherited complement C3 deficiency in a 20-year-old newly diagnosed male patient was studied. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the patient's C3 serum level was found to be approximately 7 μg/ml, which is less than 1 % of normal. In contrast, Northern analysis indicated that the patient's C3 mRNA was of normal size and quantity. Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) and skin fibroblast cultures (F) from the patient and from healthy donors were labeled for 2 h with [³⁵S] methionine. Analysis of cell lysates and supernatants by immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) demonstrated normal levels of C3 in lysates of patient's PBM and F. However, C3 secretion in the patient's cells was extremely reduced, with pulse-chase experiments demonstrating a long delay in the disappearance of intracellular C3. Secretion of C1r and factor B by the patient's cells was normal. Lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1 increased C3 synthesis in the patient's PBM and F, but had no effect on the secretion. SDS-PAGE analysis of trypsin-cleaved intracellular C3 revealed an aberrant cleavage profile for the patient's C3. Collectively, these data indicate that C3 deficiency in this patient is due to a defect in the C3 secretion, probably as the result of abnormality in the proC3 structure.     

血清超敏C反应蛋白、转铁蛋白、补体C3和C4在儿童全身炎性反应综合征中的临床价值

目的 探讨全身炎性反应综合征(SIRS)患儿血清超敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、转铁蛋白(TRf)和补体C3、C4水平的变化及意义.方法 2012年7月至2013年6月本院PICU、NICU和急诊综合病区符合SIRS诊断的患儿93例(SIRS组),对照组为年龄、性别与患儿相匹配的健康体检儿童65例,测定两组儿童血清中hs-CRP、TRf、补体C3和C4的水平.对93例患儿进行SIRS评分,根据评分分成A组(SIRS 2分)37例、B组(SIRS 3分)32例、C组(SIRS 4分)24例,比较3组血清中hs-CRP、TRf、补体C3和C4的水平并统计病死率,与SIRS评分进行相关分析.结果 SIRS组患儿血清hs-CRP水平高于对照组[(33.85±17.76)mg/L比(2.34±1.54) mg/L,P＜0.05].SIRS组血清TRf、补体C3和C4的水平均低于对照组[血清TRf:(1.26±0.48)g/L比(2.81±0.57)g/L,补体C3:(0.48±0.19)g/L比(1.14±0.21)g/L,补体C4:(0.19±0.09)g/L比(0.39±0.10)g/L,均P＜0.05].SIRS患儿血清hs-CRP水平随SIRS评分升高而升高,呈正相关(r=0.863,P＜0.05),血清TRf、补体C3和C4的水平则随SIRS评分的升高而降低,呈负相关(r=-0.834、-0.715、-0.691,均P＜0.05).病死率也随SIRS评分的升高而逐渐升高,呈正相关(r=1.00,P＜0.05).结论 血清中hs-CRP、TRf、补体C3和C4的水平对评估SIRS患儿的病情和预后有重要意义.     

肾癌荷瘤小鼠组织中补体 C5a / C5aR 通路活化与肿瘤高凝状态 的关系及其机制研究

目的 研究肾癌荷瘤小鼠组织中补体 C5a / C5aR 通路活化与肿瘤高凝状态的关系及其机制。 方法 收集 2016 年 7 月至 2019 年 10 月于唐山市人民医院收治的 32 例经病理学活检确诊的肾癌患者的癌组织和 癌旁组织。 采用 Western 印迹法检测组织中 C5a / C5aR 通路活化相关蛋白表达情况。 于 BALB/ c-nu / nu 裸鼠 前肢腋窝皮下接种人 ACHN 肾癌细胞株, 接种成功后随机分为干预组、 模型组, 其中干预组尾静脉注射 C5a 联合 C5aR 阻断剂 (C5aR antagonist, C5aRA), 模型组等体积注射生理盐水, 另取 6 只空白小鼠作为对 照组。 观察小鼠肿瘤生长情况, 检测高凝状态相关指标水平。 脱颈处死小鼠, 收集癌组织, 采用 Western 印迹法检测组织中 C5a / C5aR 通路活化相关蛋白表达情况。 结果 两组小鼠肿瘤体积于荷瘤 6 ~ 21 d 差异具 有统计学意义, 且干预组的肿瘤体积明显低于模型组 ( P< 0. 05)。 3 组小鼠于荷瘤第 1 天的血清 D-D、 vWF、 TF 水平差异无统计学意义, 荷瘤第 14 天、 第 21 天干预组、 模型组血清凝血指标水平明显增加, 其 中干预组均明显低于模型组 (P< 0. 05)。 干预组癌组织中 C5aR、 C5b-9、 FGL2、 P38、 p-P38 的表达水平均 明显低于模型组 (P< 0. 05)。 肾癌患者癌组织中 C5aR、 C5b-9、 FGL2、 P38、 p-P38 的表达水平均明显高于 癌旁组织 (P< 0. 05)。 32 例肾癌患者中高凝状态患者 14 例, 非高凝状态患者 18 例, 高凝状态组癌组织中 C5aR、 C5b-9、 FGL2、 P38、 p-P38 的表达水平均明显高于非高凝状态组 (P< 0. 05)。 结论 补体 C5a / C5aR 通路可通过调控 FGL2 的表达而诱导肾癌的高凝状态, 进而参与肾癌的发病过程。     

C5a anaphylatoxin as a product of complement activation up-regulates the complement inhibitory factor H in rat Kupffer cells

The 155-kDa complement regulator factor H (FH) is the predominant soluble regulatory protein of the complement system. It acts as a cofactor for the factor I-mediated conversion of the component C3b to iC3b, competes with factor B for a binding site on C3b and C3(H2O) and promotes the dissociation of the C3bBb complex. The primary site of synthesis is the liver, i.e. FH-specific mRNA and protein were identified in both hepatocytes (HC) and Kupffer cells (KC). Previous studies in rat primary HC and KC had shown that the proinflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma influences the balance between activation and inhibition of the complement system through up-regulation of the inhibitory FH. In this study we show that C5a, as a product of complement activation, stimulates the expression of FH-specific mRNA and protein in KC and thus induces a negative feedback. Quantitative-competitive RT-PCR showed an approximate threefold C5a-induced up-regulation of FH. ELISA analyses revealed a corresponding increase in FH protein in the supernatants of KC. The up-regulation of FH was completely inhibited by the C5a-blocking monoclonal antibody 6-9F. Furthermore, an involvement of LPS and IFN-gamma was excluded, which strongly indicates a direct effect of C5a on the expression of FH in KC.     

The determination of the complement components C1q, C4 and C3 in serum and cerebrospinal fluid by radioimmunoassay

Non-competitive 2-site radioimmunoassays (RIA) for the determination of the complement proteins C1q, C4 and C3 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are described. The quantitative results of the RIAs were the same as those obtained by other assay methods: radial immunodiffusion and turbidimetry and, in the case of C4, the haemolytic assay. The concentrations of the complement proteins in paired CSF and serum samples from a group of 60 patients were measured, as well as those of albumin and IgG. The ratios (concentration in CSF)/(concentration in serum) of the complement proteins correlated poorly with that of albumin. In contrast, the ratio of IgG was significantly correlated with that of albumin. The ratios of the complement proteins were higher than might be expected on the basis of their molecular masses. This suggests that these proteins may be synthesized within the normal central nervous system.     

LPS-induced murine abortions require C5 but not C3, and are prevented by upregulating expression of the CD200 tolerance signaling molecule

PROBLEM: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) acts via tlr4 to promote Th1 cytokine secretion and abortions. LPS is an essential co-factor in spontaneous abortion in the CBA x DBA/2 model and in stress-triggered abortions. In the CBA x DBA/2 model, C3a, C5a, and fgl2 prothrombinase participate in triggering inflammation that terminates embryo viability. As fgl2 prothrombinase (via thrombin) can generate C5a, it was predicted that LPS-driven abortions (which require fgl2) would be independent of C3. CD200Fc can prevent abortions in the CBA x DBA/2 model, but an action through Fc could not be excluded. METHOD OF STUDY: C3(-/-) and C5(-/-) knock-out mice on a B6 background were syngeneically mated and Salmonella enteritidis LPS was administered i.p. on day 6.5 or pregnancy along with 2 mg progesterone in sesame oil s.c. The total number of implants and the number of resorbing embryos were counted on day 13.5 of pregnancy. CD200-rtTA double transgenic homozygous males (B6 background) mated with B6(+/+) females were similarly treated. To up-regulate CD200 expression in embryonic trophoblasts, doxycycline was added to the drinking water from the time of mating. RESULTS: The LPS boosted the abortion rate from 15.5% (control) to 42.0% in C3(-/-) mice (chi(2) = 9.28, P < 0.005). In C5(-/-) mice, there was no increase in abortion rate with LPS compared to progesterone-treated controls (22.8%versus 26.3%, P = NS). LPS-treated transgenic mice given LPS + progesterone had a 42.5% abortion rate, but when the mice were given doxycycline to induce expression of CD200 by the embryo, the abortion rate was only 8.3% (chi(2) = 14.40, P < 0.005, Fisher's exact test P = 0.00007). CONCLUSION: C5, but not C3, appears necessary for LPS-driven abortions. Up-regulation of CD200 can prevent LPS-driven abortions, possibly by altering dendritic cells to promote Treg cell development or by a direct suppressive action on macrophages and mast cells that also express CD200 receptors.     

The role of complement in CD4+ T cell homeostasis and effector functions

The complement system is among the evolutionary oldest ‘players’ of the immune system. It was discovered in 1896 by Jules Bordet as a heat-labile fraction of the serum responsible for the opsonisation and subsequent killing of bacteria. The decades between the 1920s and 1990s then marked the discovery and biochemical characterization of the proteins comprising the complement system. Today, complement is defined as a complex system consisting of more than 30 membrane-bound and soluble plasma proteins, which are activated in a cascade-like manner, very similarly to the caspase proteases and blood coagulation systems. Complement is engrained in the immunologist's mind as a serum-effective, quintessential part of innate immunity, vitally required for the detection and removal of pathogens or other dangerous entities. Three decades ago, this rather confined definition was challenged and then refined when it was shown that complement participates vitally in the induction and regulation of B cell responses, thus adaptive immunity. Similarly, research work published in more recent years supports an equally important role for the complement system in shaping T cell responses. Today, we are again facing paradigm shifts in the field: complement is actively involved in the negative control of T cell effector immune responses, and thus, by definition in immune homeostasis. Further, while serum complement activity is without doubt fundamental in the defence against invading pathogens, local immune cell-derived production of complement emerges as key mediator of complement's impact on adaptive immune responses. And finally, the impact of complement on metabolic pathways and the crosstalk between complement and other immune effector systems is likely more extensive than previously anticipated and is fertile ground for future discoveries. In this review, we will discuss these emerging new roles of complement, with a focus on Th1 cell biology.