Complement-dependent induction of autophagy via cell
surface receptors:
The complement system is activated by detection of PAMPs/DAMPs by the
system’s germline-encoded soluble pattern recognition receptors, leading
to production of complement protein cleavage products that signal to
cells via specific receptors (Kohl, 2006). It is well-recognised that
this extracellular fluid-phase detection system can therefore trigger
responses in cells, such as induction of phagocytosis, chemotaxis,
exocytosis, and muscle contraction, to name a few. The complement system
can therefore be seen as a danger-sensing system able to induce and
direct appropriate responses in host cells, and one such response is
autophagy, which can be triggered by the following cell-surface
complement receptors.