Mathematical Modeling of the Complement System: a Scoping Review

Source abstract

Abstract The complement system is a potent arm of the immune system, linking the adaptive and innate immune systems, and affecting many facets of human pathophysiology. Recent advances in the development of complement-specific drugs in several rare diseases have opened the gateways to apply complement interventions toward a broader array of pathologies. However, this goal remains elusive due to the complexity and the multifaceted roles of the complement system. Mechanistic mathematical models can provide an effective tool to integrate the different mechanisms, features, and feedback loops into a framework that allows the simulation of complement dynamics under different conditions and the prediction of the effect of interventions. In this scoping review, we provide an overview of current mathematical models of the complement system, open problems related to complement biology, and discuss future work on how mechanistic mathematical modeling of the complement system can potentially alleviate some of the challenges in complement biology.