Complement, inflammation and thrombosis

A mutual relationship exists between immune activation and mechanisms of thrombus formation. In particular, elements of the innate immune response such as the complement system can modulate platelet activation and subsequently thrombus formation. Several components of the complement system including C3 or the membrane attack complex have been reported to be associated with platelets and become functionally active in the micromilieu of platelet activation. The exact mechanisms how this interplay is regulated and its consequences for tissue inflammation, damage or recovery remain to be defined. This review addresses the current state of knowledge on this topic and puts it into context with diseases featuring both thrombosis and complement activation.

Automated summary

This review explores the mutual relationship between immune activation and thrombus formation mechanisms, particularly focusing on how the complement system can modulate platelet activation. While some components of the complement system have been associated with platelets and shown to be functionally active in the micromilieu of platelet activation, the exact regulatory mechanisms and the consequences on tissue inflammation, damage, or recovery are still to be fully understood.