The complement system, the chief component of innate immunity, is not only required for host defense against pathogens and homeostasis, but also related to the pathogenesis and development of various kidney diseases. Recent study has shown that tissue-derived complement and immune cell-derived complement can each mediate local inflammation. The complement system acts as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. Furthermore it’s also a functional bridge between pathogenic humoral and cellular immune responses in an array of kidney diseases. Increasing evidence links inappropriate complement activation and deficiencies of complement proteins to the pathogenesis of kidney autoimmune disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, transplant rejection and complications in hemodialysis. The development of pharmacologic agents that target complement in patients with this assortment of immune and/or inflammatory kidney diseases has the potential to abrogate disease progression and improve patient health.