About the Symposium
The virtual symposium on "Complement System in the Brain" is organized by the International Complement Society. Speakers will explore the essential role of the complement system in brain health and disease. In diverse neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, demyelinating diseases, stroke, brain injury, multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia, complement activation is intricately involved in driving neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to disease progression. Leading experts will discuss cutting-edge research that uncovers how complement proteins modulate neural plasticity in development and mediate neurodegeneration in disease. The webinar will highlight the dual role of complement in both protecting the brain and promoting neuroinflammation; these insights help identify potential therapeutic targets. Attendees will learn how complement drives neuropathology and how complement-targeting therapies can be used to stop or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Through these discussions, the event will aim to foster understanding of the roles of complement in brain health and disease and how targeting complement offers novel approaches to combat brain inflammation, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.
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PROGRAM AGENDA 
means a recording of the LIVE talk will be available to registered attendees afterwards
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9:00 - 9:05 |
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Welcome & IntroductionWioleta Zelek, PhD & Paul Morgan, PhD |
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9:05 - 9:35 (5 min. Q&A) |
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Complement in ALS/PDTrent Woodruff, PhD University of Brisbane, Australia Roles of complement in NDD, particularly in conditions such as ALS and Parkinson's disease. Exploring novel complement targets for these brain diseases. |
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9:35 - 10:05 (5 min. Q&A) |
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Complement and ARIACynthia Lemere, PhD Harvard Medical School, USA Investigating the adverse effects of anti-amyloid treatments (brain inflammation) for Alzheimer's disease and the role of the complement system in these mechanisms. |
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10:05 - 10:35 (5 min. Q&A) |
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Complement in TBI and StrokeSteve Tomlinson, PhD Medical University of South Carolina, USA Roles of complement in neuroinflammation, injury, and disease; multiple sclerosis, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. How complement activation contributes to the pathology of these neurological disorders and explores potential therapeutic interventions. |
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| 10:35 - 10:50 |
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BREAK | |
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10:50 - 11:15 (5 min. Q&A) |
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Complement in AD
Andrea Tenner, PhD University of California Irvine, USA Complement activation in the brain e.g. C1q, contribution to inflammation and pathology in Alzheimer's disease and other NDD. |
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11:15 - 11:45 (5 min. Q&A) |
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Roles of AP in the BrainMarcela Pekna, MD University of Gothenburg, Sweden Roles of alternative pathway in brain development, neuroprotection, and neurodegenerative diseases, exploring how complement activation influences neural plasticity and repair mechanisms. |
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11:45 - 12:15 (5 min. Q&A) |
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C₄A/B in SZ
Mike Carroll, PhD Harvard Medical School, USA Roles of complement in autoimmune disorders and neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. C4A/B variants; how these influence disease susceptibility and progression and developing targeted therapeutic strategies). |
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12:15 - 12:20 |
Concluding RemarksWioleta Zelek, PhD & Paul Morgan, PhD |
