Role of complement system in the pathogenesis and development of COVID-19 / 中华微生物学和免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Systemic inflammatory response is one of the crucial pathogenic mechanisms. As a key component of the innate immune system, the complement system can quickly provoke an inflammatory reaction against infectious pathogens, serving as a defense mechanism of the body. Studies have showed that the inflammatory storm caused by over-activation of the complement plays a critical role in the development of COVID-19, and blocking or regulating the complement cascade has a certain therapeutic effect on patients with COVID-19. In this review, the roles of the complement system in the pathogenesis and development of COVID-19 were summarized.