scholarly journals Viral-derived complement inhibitors: current status and potential role in immunomodulation

2016 ◽  
Vol 242 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hadi Abou-El-Hassan ◽  
Hassan Zaraket
Keyword(s):  
Complement System ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Viral Origin ◽  
Complement Proteins ◽  
Complement Inhibitors ◽  
Autoimmune And Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
The Complement System

The complement system is one of the body’s major innate immune defense mechanisms in vertebrates. Its function is to detect foreign bodies and promote their elimination through opsonisation or lysis. Complement proteins play an important role in the immunopathogenesis of several disorders. However, excessive complement activation does not confer more protection but instead leads to several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. With inappropriate activation of the complement system, activated complement proteins and glycoproteins may damage both healthy and diseased tissues. Development of complement inhibitors represents an effective approach in controlling dysregulated complement activity and reducing disease severity, yet few studies have investigated the nature and role of novel complement inhibitory proteins of viral origin. Viral complement inhibitors have important implications in understanding the importance of complement inhibition and their role as a promising novel therapeutic approach in diseases caused by dysregulated complement function. In this review, we discuss the role and importance of complement inhibitors derived from several viruses in the scope of human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

scholarly journals Complement-Related Proteins and Their Measurements: The Current Status of Clinical Investigation

Nephron ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Katsuki Ohtani
Keyword(s):  
Complement System ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Clinical Investigation ◽  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Complement Factor ◽  
Complement Factors ◽  
Foreign Countries ◽  
Autoimmune And Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Related Proteins

Complement has been considered to be a factor that protects the host against invading microorganisms during infection. However, in recent years, complement-related protein deficiency has been found to be involved in the onset of various diseases, such as autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In Japan, C3, C4, and CH50 tests were generally performed only when a complement system examination was necessary and there were not enough examinations for other complement factors. Since the complement system has a very complicated activation pathway, at present, it is not well known which molecule must be measured to understand the pathological condition or pathogenesis in complement-related diseases. Furthermore, since the frequency of complement factor gene alleles also differs depending on race, data from foreign countries cannot be directly applied to Japanese populations. Under these circumstances, the Japanese Association for Complement Research (JACR) has prepared approximately 20 items for complement-related examinations, including the 5 categories of functional analysis, complement factors, complement regulators, activation products, and autoantibodies.

scholarly journals Halting targeted and collateral damage to red blood cells by the complement system

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Jalink ◽  
E. C. W. de Boer ◽  
D. Evers ◽  
M. Q. Havinga ◽  
J. M. I. Vos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Red Blood Cells ◽  
Complement System ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Defense Mechanism ◽  
Standard Of Care ◽  
Complement Protein ◽  
Complement Inhibition ◽  
Complement Inhibitors ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Patient Burden

AbstractThe complement system is an important defense mechanism against pathogens; however, in certain pathologies, the system also attacks human cells, such as red blood cells (RBCs). In paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), RBCs lack certain complement regulators which sensitize them to complement-mediated lysis, while in autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), antibodies against RBCs may initiate complement-mediated hemolysis. In recent years, complement inhibition has improved treatment prospects for these patients, with eculizumab now the standard of care for PNH patients. Current complement inhibitors are however not sufficient for all patients, and they come with high costs, patient burden, and increased infection risk. This review gives an overview of the underlying pathophysiology of complement-mediated hemolysis in PNH and AIHA, the role of therapeutic complement inhibition nowadays, and the high number of complement inhibitors currently under investigation, as for almost every complement protein, an inhibitor is being developed. The focus lies with novel therapeutics that inhibit complement activity specifically in the pathway that causes pathology or those that reduce costs or patient burden through novel administration routes.

scholarly journals Special Issue: The Role of Complement in Cancer Immunotherapy

Antibodies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Ronald P. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Immunotherapy ◽  
Complement System ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Critical Aspects

The complement system plays an important role in critical aspects of immune defense and in the maintenance of homeostasis in the bloodstream, as well as in essentially all tissues and organs [...]

Interaction with complement proteins and dendritic cells implicates LCCL domain-containing proteins (CCps) of malaria parasites in immunomodulation

2018 ◽  
Vol 475 (21) ◽  
pp. 3311-3314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puran Singh Sijwali
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Complement System ◽  
Protein Complexes ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Classical Complement Pathway ◽  
Soluble Immune Complexes ◽  
Multimeric Protein ◽  
The Complement System

The evasion of host immune defense is critical for pathogens to invade, establish infection and perpetuate in the host. The complement system is one of the first lines of innate immune defense in humans that destroys pathogens in the blood circulation. Activation of the complement system through direct encounter with pathogens or some other agents leads to osmolysis of pathogens, clearance of soluble immune complexes and recruitment of lymphocytes at the site of activation. Although malaria parasites are not exposed to the complement system owing to their intracellular development for most part of their life cycle in the human host, the extracellular stages must face the complement system of human or mosquito or both. In a recent issue of the Biochemical Journal, Sharma et al. reported that Plasmodiumfalciparum LCCL domain-containing protein 1 (PfCCp1) inhibited activation of the classical complement pathway and down-regulated effector responses of dendritic cells, which implicate PfCCp1 and related proteins in immunomodulation of the host that likely benefits the parasite. PfCCp1 belongs to a multi-domain protein family that exists as multimeric protein complexes. It needs to be investigated whether PfCCp1 or its multimeric protein complexes have an immunomodulatory effect in vivo and on the mosquito complement system

Serine proteases of the complement system

2000 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-550 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. B. Sim ◽  
A. Laich
Keyword(s):  
Complement System ◽  
Serine Proteases ◽  
Enzymic Activity ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Complement Protein ◽  
Factor B ◽  
Complement Proteins ◽  
Protein Protein Interaction ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Natural Inhibitors

The complement system in blood plasma is a major mediator of innate immune defence. The function of complement is to recognize, then opsonize or lyse, particulate materials, including bacteria, yeasts and other microrganisms, host cell debris and altered host cells. Recognition occurs by binding of complement proteins to charge or saccharide arrays. After recognition, a series of serine proteases is activated, culminating in the assembly of complex unstable proteases called C3/C5 convertases. These activate the complement protein C3, which acts as an opsonin. The complement serine proteases include the closely related Clr, Cls, MASPs 1–3 (80–90 kDa), C2 and Factor B (100 kDa), Factor D (25 kDa) and Factor 1 (85 kDa). Each of these has unusually restricted specificity and low enzymic activity. The C1r, C1s and MASP group occur as proenzymes. When activated, they are regulated, like many plasma serine proteases, by a serpin, C1-inhibitor. C2 and Factor B, however, have complex multiple regulation by a group of complement proteins called the Regulation of Complement Activation (or RCA) proteins, whereas Factors I and D appear to have no natural inhibitors. Advances in structure determination and protein-protein interaction properties are leading to a more detailed understanding of the complement-system proteases, and are indicating possible new routes for potential therapeutic control of complement.

scholarly journals Venom fromBothrops lanceolatus, a Snake Species Native to Martinique, Potently Activates the Complement System

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Delafontaine ◽  
Isadora Maria Villas-Boas ◽  
Giselle Pidde ◽  
Carmen W. van den Berg ◽  
Laurence Mathieu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complement System ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Local Inflammation ◽  
Complement Inhibitors ◽  
Coagulation Proteins ◽  
Local Inflammatory Reaction ◽  
Activation Pathways ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Soluble C

Bothrops lanceolatussnake venom causes systemic thrombotic syndrome but also local inflammation involving extensive oedema, pain, and haemorrhage. Systemic thrombotic syndrome may lead to fatal pulmonary embolism and myocardial and cerebral infarction. Here, we investigated the ability ofB. lanceolatusvenom to activate the Complement system (C) in order to improve the understanding of venom-induced local inflammation. Data presented show thatB. lanceolatusvenom is able to activate all C-pathways. In human serum, the venom strongly induced the generation of anaphylatoxins, such as C5a and C4a, and the Terminal Complement complex. The venom also induced cleavage of purified human components C3, C4, and C5, with the production of biologically active C5a. Furthermore, the venom enzymatically inactivated the soluble C-regulator and the C1-inhibitor (C1-INH), and significantly increased the expression of bound C-regulators, such as MCP and CD59, on the endothelial cell membrane. Our observations thatB. lanceolatusvenom activates the three Complement activation pathways, resulting in anaphylatoxins generation, may suggest that this could play an important role in local inflammatory reaction and systemic thrombosis caused by the venom. Inactivation of C1-INH, which is also an important inhibitor of several coagulation proteins, may also contribute to inflammation and thrombosis. Thus, furtherin vivostudies may support the idea that therapeutic management of systemicB. lanceolatusenvenomation could include the use of Complement inhibitors as adjunct therapy.

scholarly journals The Role of IL-33 in Host Response toCandida albicans

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Rodríguez-Cerdeira ◽  
A. Lopez-Bárcenas ◽  
B. Sánchez-Blanco ◽  
R. Arenas
Keyword(s):  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Pathogenic Fungi ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Immune Defense ◽  
Beneficial Role

Background. Interleukin (IL) 33 is a recently identified pleiotropic cytokine that influences the activity of multiple cell types and orchestrates complex innate and adaptive immune responses.Methods. We performed an extensive review of the literature published between 2005 and 2013 on IL-33 and related cytokines, their functions, and their regulation of the immune system followingCandida albicanscolonization. Our literature review included cross-references from retrieved articles and specific data from our own studies.Results. IL-33 (IL-1F11) is a recently identified member of the IL-1 family of cytokines. Accumulating evidence suggests a pivotal role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in host immune defense against fungal pathogens, includingC. albicans. IL-33 induces a Th2-type inflammatory response and activates both innate and adaptive immunity. Studies in animal models have shown that Th2 inflammatory responses have a beneficial role in immunity against gastrointestinal and systemic infections byCandidaspp.Conclusions. This review summarizes the most important clinical studies and case reports describing the beneficial role of IL-33 in immunity and host defense mechanisms against pathogenic fungi. The finding that the IL-33/ST2 axis is involved in therapeutic target has implications for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases, including acute or chronic candidiasis.

scholarly journals Semi-Quantitative Multiplex Profiling of the Complement System Identifies Associations of Complement Proteins with Genetic Variants and Metabolites in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1256
Author(s):  
I. Erkin Acar ◽  
Esther Willems ◽  
Eveline Kersten ◽  
Jenneke Keizer-Garritsen ◽  
Else Kragt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Complement System ◽  
Genetic Variants ◽  
Factor H ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Complement Protein ◽  
Complement Proteins ◽  
New Associations ◽  
Age Related ◽  
The Complement System

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss among the elderly in the Western world. The complement system has been identified as one of the main AMD disease pathways. We performed a comprehensive expression analysis of 32 complement proteins in plasma samples of 255 AMD patients and 221 control individuals using mass spectrometry-based semi-quantitative multiplex profiling. We detected significant associations of complement protein levels with age, sex and body-mass index (BMI), and potential associations of C-reactive protein, factor H related-2 (FHR-2) and collectin-11 with AMD. In addition, we confirmed previously described associations and identified new associations of AMD variants with complement levels. New associations include increased C4 levels for rs181705462 at the C2/CFB locus, decreased vitronectin (VTN) levels for rs11080055 at the TMEM97/VTN locus and decreased factor I levels for rs10033900 at the CFI locus. Finally, we detected significant associations between AMD-associated metabolites and complement proteins in plasma. The most significant complement-metabolite associations included increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) subparticle levels with decreased C3, factor H (FH) and VTN levels. The results of our study indicate that demographic factors, genetic variants and circulating metabolites are associated with complement protein components. We suggest that these factors should be considered to design personalized treatment approaches and to increase the success of clinical trials targeting the complement system.

scholarly journals A Computational Model for the Evaluation of Complement System Regulation under Homeostasis, Disease, and Drug Intervention

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nehemiah Zewde ◽  
Dimitrios Morikis
Keyword(s):  
Computational Model ◽  
Complement System ◽  
Complement Activation ◽  
Late Stage ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Complement Dysregulation ◽  
The Complement System

HighlightsComputational model describing dynamics of complement system activation pathwaysComplement dysregulation leads to deviation from homeostasis and to inflammatory diseasesModel identifies biomarkers to quantify the effects of complement dysregulationKnown drugs restore impaired dynamics of complement biomarkers under dysregulationDisease-specific models are suitable for diagnosis and patient-specific drug treatmentAbstractThe complement system is a part of innate immunity that rapidly removes invading pathogens and impaired host-cells. Activation of the complement system is balanced under homeostasis by regulators that protect healthy host-cells. Impairment of complement regulators tilts the balance, favoring activation and propagation that leads to inflammatory diseases. The most potent regulator of the complement system is Factor H (FH), and its impairment induces improper complement activation that leads to inflammatory diseases, such as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and age related macular degeneration. To understand the dynamics involved in the pivotal balance between activation and regulation, we have developed a comprehensive computational model of the alternative and classical pathways of the complement system. The model is composed of 290 ordinary differential equations with 142 kinetic parameters that describe the state of complement system under homeostasis and disorder through FH impairment. We have evaluated the state of the system by generating concentration-time profiles for the biomarkers C3, C3a-desArg, C5, C5a-desArg, Factor B (FB), Ba, Bb, and fC5b-9 that are influenced by complement dysregulation. We show that FH-mediated disorder induces substantial levels of complement activation compared to homeostasis, by generating reduced levels of C3 and FB, and to a lesser extent C5, and elevated levels of C3a-desArg, Ba, Bb, C5a-desArg, and fC5b-9. These trends are consistent with clinically observed biomarkers associated with complement-mediated diseases. Furthermore, we introduced therapy states by modeling known drugs of the complement system, a compstatin variant (C3 inhibitor) and eculizumab (a C5 inhibitor). Compstatin demonstrates strong restorative effects for early-stage biomarkers, such as C3a-desArg, FB, Ba, and Bb, and milder restorative effects for late-stage biomarkers, such as C5a-desArg and fC5b-9, whereas eculizumab has strong restorative effects on late-stage biomarkers, and negligible effects on early-stage biomarkers. These results highlight the need for patient-specific therapies that target early complement activation at the C3 level, or late-stage propagation of the terminal cascade at the C5 level, depending on the specific FH-mediated disease and the manifestations of a patient’s genetic profile in complement regulatory function.

scholarly journals Tipping the balance: intricate roles of the complement system in disease and therapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard B. Pouw ◽  
Daniel Ricklin
Keyword(s):  
Complement System ◽  
Host Cells ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Effector Functions ◽  
Complement Inhibitors ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Complement System ◽  
Excessive Activation ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractThe ability of the complement system to rapidly and broadly react to microbial intruders, apoptotic cells and other threats by inducing forceful elimination responses is indispensable for its role as host defense and surveillance system. However, the danger sensing versatility of complement may come at a steep price for patients suffering from various immune, inflammatory, age-related, or biomaterial-induced conditions. Misguided recognition of cell debris or transplants, excessive activation by microbial or damaged host cells, autoimmune events, and dysregulation of the complement response may all induce effector functions that damage rather than protect host tissue. Although complement has long been associated with disease, the prevalence, impact and complexity of complement’s involvement in pathological processes is only now becoming fully recognized. While complement rarely constitutes the sole driver of disease, it acts as initiator, contributor, and/or exacerbator in numerous disorders. Identifying the factors that tip complement’s balance from protective to damaging effects in a particular disease continues to prove challenging. Fortunately, however, molecular insight into complement functions, improved disease models, and growing clinical experience has led to a greatly improved understanding of complement’s pathological side. The identification of novel complement-mediated indications and the clinical availability of the first therapeutic complement inhibitors has also sparked a renewed interest in developing complement-targeted drugs, which meanwhile led to new approvals and promising candidates in late-stage evaluation. More than a century after its description, complement now has truly reached the clinic and the recent developments hold great promise for diagnosis and therapy alike.

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