Complement and T cell activation in transplantation

Abstract

The complement system plays a critical role in modulating adaptive T cell responses. Coordination of the proinflammatory signaling cascade and complement regulators permits efficient T cell priming and survival, while minimizing off-target damage to healthy host cells. In the context of transplantation, anti-donor T cell immunity remains a barrier to long term graft health and complement-targeted therapies have shown the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes. Here we will review our current understanding of complement-mediated T cell function and how these findings may be harnessed in organ transplantation.