Search

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. • Intracellular complement maintains T cell homeostasis and can translocate for "outside in" signaling during T cell priming. • Antigen presenting cell derived complement has a dominant role in promoting alloreactive T cell responses. • Metabolic reprogramming induced by complement signaling augments effector T cell function. • Complement regulators reduce anti-donor T cell immunity through both complement-dependent and independent mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]