The complement system in the peripheral nerve: friend or foe?

The complement (C) system plays a central role in innate immunity and bridges innate and adaptive immune responses. A fine balance of C activation and regulation mediates the elimination of invading pathogens and the protection of the host from excessive C deposition on healthy tissues. If this delicate balance is disrupted, the C system may cause injury and contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neuropathies. Here we review evidence indicating that C factors and regulators are locally synthesized in the peripheral nerve and we discuss the evidence supporting the protective or detrimental role of C activation in health, injury and disease of the peripheral nerve.