The role of anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses

Qi Peng, Ke Li, Steven H. Sacks, Wuding Zhou*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

122 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

C3a and C5a, the small (∼10KDa) cleavage fragments released by complement activation, are potent mediators of inflammation. They are anaphylatoxins and act as cell activators with nanomolar affinity, exerting their functions through binding to specific receptors (C3aR and C5aR or C5L2 respectively). Recent studies suggest that locally generated complement effector molecules including C3a and C5a contribute to pathological processes in inflammatory and immunological diseases as well as adaptive immune response besides its host defence mechanism. Targeting the receptors and/or their ligands can reduce undesired inflammatory responses and tissue damage in certain pathological conditions. In this article we describe the recent developments in this important area and focus on the role of C3a/C5a in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and in adaptive immune responses.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)236-246
Number of pages11
JournalInflammation and Allergy - Drug Targets
Volume8
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2009

Keywords

  • Anaphylatoxins
  • C3a
  • C3a receptor
  • C5a
  • C5a receptor
  • Inflammation
  • Innate and adaptive immune regulation
  • Local synthesis of complement

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Peng, Q., Li, K., Sacks, S. H., & Zhou, W. (2009). The role of anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. Inflammation and Allergy - Drug Targets, 8(3), 236-246. https://doi.org/10.2174/187152809788681038