Abstract
This review aims to summarize recent research using animal models, cell models, and
human data regarding the role of complement in liver disease. Complement is part of
the innate immune system and was initially characterized for its role in control of
pathogens. However, evidence now indicates that complement also plays an important
role in the response to cellular injury that is independent of pathogens. The liver
is the main organ responsible for producing circulating complement. In response to
liver injury, complement is activated and likely plays a dual role, both contributing
to and protecting from injury. In uncontrolled complement activation, cell injury
and liver inflammation occur, contributing to progression of liver disease. Complement
activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple liver diseases, including
alcohol-associated liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver
disease, fibrosis and cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and autoimmune hepatitis.
However, the mechanisms by which complement is overactivated in liver diseases are
still being unraveled.
Keywords
alcohol-associated liver disease - metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease -
liver fibrosis - cirrhosis
