Genetic variants in complement-related genes: potential implications for cancer risk and progression

Abstract

The complement system is a critical component of the immune system, playing a significant role in pathogen defense and immune regulation. In cancer, it has a complex and dual role, either aiding in immune surveillance or contributing to tumor progression and immune evasion, depending on the specific context. While genetic and epigenetic regulation of complement-related genes has been studied in various diseases, its influence on cancer remains underexplored. This review focuses on how genetic variants in complement pathway genes may modulate cancer susceptibility, progression, and treatment outcomes. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several key single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) linked to complement genes, such as C3, C7, CFHR4 and ITGB2, which could influence immune responses and cancer development. Additionally, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, have been shown to regulate the expression of complement genes in cancer, adding further complexity to our understanding of their role in tumor immunity. Challenges remain in translating genetic and epigenetic insights into therapeutic strategies. The complex nature of cancer, tissue-specific complement regulation, and the difficulty in identifying reliable biomarkers complicate the development of targeted complement-based therapies for precision medicine. Therefore, future research combining genetic, genomic, and epigenomic data, along with functional genomics and proteomics, is needed to elucidate the potential roles of regulatory variants of complement genes in cancer. In addition to mechanistic studies, this information can be used to guide personalized treatment strategies for cancer patients.