The complement system, composed of nearly 30 proteins, is a key regulator of immunity. The complement system is critical for protecting hosts from invading pathogens. Dysregulation of this system is associated with susceptibility to infection and various autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, complement activation due to the defective regulation of the alternative pathway will induce glomerular diseases. Anti-complement therapy has been applied in various glomerular diseases. Signaling pathways might be very important in the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases. This review will give a relatively complete signaling pathway flowchart for complement and a comprehensive understanding of the underlying role of complement in glomerular diseases.
Keywords: Complement; glomerular diseases; signaling pathways.