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    The insider's perspective: The intracellular complosome and immune cell dynamics in cancer


    Bennion, Alexandra, Lysaght, Joanne and Lynam‐Lennon, Niamh (2026) The insider's perspective: The intracellular complosome and immune cell dynamics in cancer. Clinical and Translational Medicine, 16 (2). ISSN 2001-1326

    Abstract

    Complement is increasingly recognised as a driver and modulator of antitumour immunity, with context‐dependent effects across T cells, myeloid subsets, stromal elements and tumour cells. Although best known for pathogen clearance and membrane attack complex (MAC) formation, complement also acts intracellularly via the ‘complosome’ to regulate cellular homeostasis and gene expression. Complosome activity may dampen antitumour responses by rewiring single‐cell metabolism and transcription, altering nutrient flux and fostering an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Here, we synthesise advances in intracellular and extracellular complement, with emphasis on complement component 3 (C3) and receptors (C3aR1, C5aR1/CD88, C5aR2/C5L2), highlighting how these pathways shape T‐cell metabolism, exhaustion programmes and inflammatory tone within tumours. Evidence indicates that tonic C3/C5 signalling restrains cytotoxicity via C5aR1‐driven myeloid recruitment and cytokine cascades, while complosome signalling tunes T‐cell activation thresholds and bioenergetics. We outline considerations for selectively modulating intracellular versus extracellular complement, propose cell‐type‐resolved biomarker strategies and identify opportunities for complosome‐directed therapies in cancer, integrating roles across T cells, macrophages, B cells, neutrophils, NK cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts. Key points Intracellular complement (complosome) shapes the tumor immune microenvironment. Complosome's role in cancer is underrecognized yet central to tumor immunity. C3/C5‐driven complosome signals rewire T cell activation, fate, and metabolism. Complosome activity can promote pro‐tumor immune cell function. Blocking the complosome, alone or with checkpoint inhibitors, unveils a new tumor target.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: C3; C3a; C5; C5a; cancer immunity; complement system; complosome; immune cells; immunotherapy; intracellular complement; tumour microenvironment;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology
    Item ID: 21431
    Identification Number: 10.1002/ctm2.70628
    Depositing User: Niamh Lynan-Lennon
    Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2026 16:08
    Journal or Publication Title: Clinical and Translational Medicine
    Publisher: Wiley
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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