Joint Scientific Meeting of the National Research Network in Complement in Health and Disease and the Biomedicine Program Complemento 3-CM of the Community of Madrid

On Wednesday, February 21, a joint meeting was organized by Mª Cristina Vega, of the Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas (CSIC), bringing together two major initiatives that share a common interest in advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of the complement system: the National Complement Research Network in Health and Disease (RNComplemento), funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, and the Complemento 3-CM project, funded by the Biomedicine Program of the Community of Madrid.

RNComplemento and Complemento 3-CM aim to advance basic, clinical, and translational research on the complement system. As a crucial component of immunity, this system plays a vital role in combating pathogens and maintaining homeostasis. Its dysfunction leads to various pathologies, including rare and ultra-rare diseases such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and C3 glomerulopathy, as well as more prevalent conditions like stroke and viral pulmonary infections.

The groups of Mª Cristina Vega, Santiago Rodríguez de Córdoba, F. Javier Cañada, and Sonsoles M. Santamaría, from CIB Margarita Salas, along with seven other institutions from various regions in Spain, participate in the RNComplemento and Complemento 3-CM research programs. These institutions include the Complutense University of Madrid, the National Microbiology Center of the Carlos III Health Institute, the Biomedical Research Foundation of La Paz Hospital, the Biomedical Research Foundation of the 12 de Octubre Hospital, the University of the Balearic Islands, the University of Navarra, and the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute. Additionally, the spin-off companies Abvance and Secugen support these programs as associated companies.

A key aspect of RNComplemento and Complemento 3-CM activities includes encouraging staff mobility and training among participating laboratories and centers. Additionally, these initiatives aim to inform the public about advancements in complement, particularly emphasizing patient organizations.