About this Research Topic
The complement system is a diverse set of proteins long known for its association with innate immunity. Recent decades have demonstrated novel location and roles for key complement proteins in the normal development and function of the nervous system. During embryogenesis, complement factors function in diverse neurodevelopmental processes, such as directing proliferation, migration and synaptic pruning. In the case of synaptic pruning, these actions occur via the traditional activation pathways of complement associated with innate immunity. However, the activation and regulation of complement in other neurodevelopmental processes has yet to be determined.
There may be similar complement-dependent processes active after insult to neural tissue in the adult. Here, activation of complement has been shown, in cases such as stroke and spinal cord injury, to promote tissue repair post insult. In these examples, complement proteins can both hinder and help recovery, based on dual roles in inflammation and regeneration. Although relatively novel, there is mounting evidence supporting roles for complement proteins outside of their traditional niche in the innate immune system. There are a plethora of questions remaining to be addressed, not least how the bombastic activation of the complement system is regulated in the delicate areas of development and regeneration. We aim in this Research Topic to bring together common themes present between the processes of development and regeneration to inform future research in this emerging area.
We seek articles on the function of complement family proteins in the development and regeneration of the nervous system that will together provide a comprehensive overview of these emerging niches of complement action. We encourage authors to submit articles that satisfy this theme in any format accepted by the journal (Original Research, Methods, Hypothesis & Theory, Reviews/Mini-Reviews, etc.). We intend to cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:
· Complement proteins as regulators of normal neurodevelopmental processes
· Roles of complement in the formation of the peripheral nervous system
· The impact of the maternal complement system on fetal neurodevelopment
· Association of complement dysregulation with neurological and psychiatric disease
· Similarities and differences between the developmental and regenerative processes ascribed to complement
· Complement actions in regeneration after nervous system injury
· Therapeutic potential of targeting complement factors in neural tissue injury
There may be similar complement-dependent processes active after insult to neural tissue in the adult. Here, activation of complement has been shown, in cases such as stroke and spinal cord injury, to promote tissue repair post insult. In these examples, complement proteins can both hinder and help recovery, based on dual roles in inflammation and regeneration. Although relatively novel, there is mounting evidence supporting roles for complement proteins outside of their traditional niche in the innate immune system. There are a plethora of questions remaining to be addressed, not least how the bombastic activation of the complement system is regulated in the delicate areas of development and regeneration. We aim in this Research Topic to bring together common themes present between the processes of development and regeneration to inform future research in this emerging area.
We seek articles on the function of complement family proteins in the development and regeneration of the nervous system that will together provide a comprehensive overview of these emerging niches of complement action. We encourage authors to submit articles that satisfy this theme in any format accepted by the journal (Original Research, Methods, Hypothesis & Theory, Reviews/Mini-Reviews, etc.). We intend to cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:
· Complement proteins as regulators of normal neurodevelopmental processes
· Roles of complement in the formation of the peripheral nervous system
· The impact of the maternal complement system on fetal neurodevelopment
· Association of complement dysregulation with neurological and psychiatric disease
· Similarities and differences between the developmental and regenerative processes ascribed to complement
· Complement actions in regeneration after nervous system injury
· Therapeutic potential of targeting complement factors in neural tissue injury
Keywords: neurotrauma, anaphylatoxin, demyelination, microglia
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
