The Complement System and Periodontal Diseases

The complement system plays a crucial role in coordinating host immunity and inflammation. Initially believed to be solely part of innate immunity, further research has revealed that it is a dynamic ensemble that activates both innate and adaptive immune responses. Numerous diseases have been linked to the complement system, leading to the development of various drugs aimed at addressing these conditions. One such significant disease, which shares common mechanisms with periodontitis, is rheumatic diseases, where certain drugs have shown some effectiveness in alleviating symptoms. Applying this understanding to periodontitis and peri-implantitis has shed new light on the role of the complement system in the development of periodontal diseases. Mapping its function in periodontitis could significantly advance complement-targeted therapeutic approaches.