C8b, the gene encoding the beta chain of the eighth component of human complement, is a crucial part of the complement system. The complement system plays a vital role in host defense, homeostasis, and tissue regeneration, bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems. C8b is involved in the complement and coagulation cascades signaling pathway, which has implications for various biological processes related to immunity and disease [2,4,5].

In HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, C8B expression levels have protective effects on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). High levels of C8B contribute to favorable OS and RFS, even after adjusting for clinicopathological characteristics, suggesting it as a predictive candidate for survival in this patient group [1].

A patient with combined heterozygous genetic variations in C2 and C8B presented with a reduced general condition and various autoimmune diseases, along with slightly impaired functionality of neutrophils and monocytes, a diminished expression of the C5aR1, and declined activation potential for the alternative and classical complement pathways [2].

A young woman with a pathogen mutation in the C8B gene had recurrent meningococcal infections, highlighting the importance of C8B in complement-mediated defense against such infections [3].

In conclusion, C8b is essential for the proper functioning of the complement system, which is crucial for immune defense and homeostasis. Its role in diseases such as HBV-related HCC, autoimmune diseases, and recurrent meningococcal infections emphasizes the significance of understanding C8b's function. These insights from different disease-related studies of C8b contribute to a better understanding of disease mechanisms and may potentially guide the development of new therapeutic strategies.