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Goodrich AC, LeClair NP, Shillova N, Morton WD, Wittwer AJ, Loyet KM, Hannoush RN. Reconstitution of the alternative pathway of the complement system enables rapid delineation of the mechanism of action of novel inhibitors. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107467. [PMID: 38876307 PMCID: PMC11283208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The complement system plays a critical role in the innate immune response, acting as a first line of defense against invading pathogens. However, dysregulation of the complement system is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's to age-related macular degeneration and rare blood disorders. As such, complement inhibitors have enormous potential to alleviate disease burden. While a few complement inhibitors are in clinical use, there is still a significant unmet medical need for the discovery and development of novel inhibitors to treat patients suffering from disorders of the complement system. A key hurdle in the development of complement inhibitors has been the determination of their mechanism of action. Progression along the complement cascade involves the formation of numerous multimeric protein complexes, creating the potential for inhibitors to act at multiple nodes in the pathway. This is especially true for molecules that target the central component C3 and its fragment C3b, which serve a dual role as a substrate for the C3 convertases and as a scaffolding protein in both the C3 and C5 convertases. Here, we report a step-by-step in vitro reconstitution of the complement alternative pathway using bio-layer interferometry. By physically uncoupling each step in the pathway, we were able to determine the kinetic signature of inhibitors that act at single steps in the pathway and delineate the full mechanism of action of known and novel C3 inhibitors. The method could have utility in drug discovery and further elucidating the biochemistry of the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Goodrich
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA.
| | - Norbert P LeClair
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nita Shillova
- Department of Biochemistry, Confluence Discovery Technologies Inc, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - William D Morton
- Department of Biochemistry, Confluence Discovery Technologies Inc, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Arthur J Wittwer
- Department of Biochemistry, Confluence Discovery Technologies Inc, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Kelly M Loyet
- Department of Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California, USA.
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Fageräng B, Cyranka L, Schjalm C, McAdam KE, Larsen CS, Heinzelbecker J, Gedde-Dahl T, Würzner R, Espevik T, Tjønnfjord GE, Garred P, Barratt-Due A, Tvedt THA, Mollnes TE. The function of the complement system remains fully intact throughout the course of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1422370. [PMID: 38938578 PMCID: PMC11208304 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1422370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is associated with immune complications and endothelial dysfunction due to intricate donor-recipient interactions, conditioning regimens, and inflammatory responses. Methods This study investigated the role of the complement system during HSCT and its interaction with the cytokine network. Seventeen acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing HSCT were monitored, including blood sampling from the start of the conditioning regimen until four weeks post-transplant. Clinical follow-up was 200 days. Results Total complement functional activity was measured by WIELISA and the degree of complement activation by ELISA measurement of sC5b-9. Cytokine release was measured using a 27-multiplex immuno-assay. At all time-points during HSCT complement functional activity remained comparable to healthy controls. Complement activation was continuously stable except for two patients demonstrating increased activation, consistent with severe endotheliopathy and infections. In vitro experiments with post-HSCT whole blood challenged with Escherichia coli, revealed a hyperinflammatory cytokine response with increased TNF, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 formation. Complement C3 inhibition markedly reduced the cytokine response induced by Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and cholesterol crystals. Discussion In conclusion, HSCT patients generally retained a fully functional complement system, whereas activation occurred in patients with severe complications. The complement-cytokine interaction indicates the potential for new complement-targeting therapeutic strategies in HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Fageräng
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Leon Cyranka
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Camilla Schjalm
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karin Ekholt McAdam
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Julia Heinzelbecker
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tobias Gedde-Dahl
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Reinhard Würzner
- Institute of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Terje Espevik
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Geir Erland Tjønnfjord
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Garred
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Barratt-Due
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Tom Eirik Mollnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway
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Podestà MA, Chun N. Role of complement in humoral immunity. Curr Opin Organ Transplant 2023; 28:327-332. [PMID: 37582054 PMCID: PMC10530608 DOI: 10.1097/mot.0000000000001095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) after solid organ transplantation remains an unsolved problem and leads to poor early and late patient outcomes. The complement system is a well recognized pathogenic mediator of AMR. Herein, we review the known molecular mechanisms of disease and results from ongoing clinical testing of complement inhibitors after solid organ transplant. RECENT FINDINGS Activation and regulation of the complement cascade is critical not only for the terminal effector function of donor-specific antibodies, but also for the regulation of T and B cell subsets to generate the antidonor humoral response. Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) have heterogenous features, as are their interactions with the complement system. Clinical testing of complement inhibitors in transplant patients have shown good safety profiles but mixed efficacy to date. SUMMARY The complement cascade is a critical mediator of AMR and clinical trials have shown early promising results. With the steady emergence of novel complement inhibitors and our greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms linking complement and AMR, there is greater optimism now for new prognostic and therapeutic tools to deploy in transplant patients with AMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Alfredo Podestà
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Transplantation Research Center, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nicholas Chun
- Translational Transplant Research Center and Division of Nephrology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, NY
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Golomingi M, Kohler J, Lamers C, Pouw RB, Ricklin D, Dobó J, Gál P, Pál G, Kiss B, Dopler A, Schmidt CQ, Hardy ET, Lam W, Schroeder V. Complement inhibition can decrease the haemostatic response in a microvascular bleeding model at multiple levels. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1226832. [PMID: 37771595 PMCID: PMC10525698 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1226832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Haemostasis is a crucial process by which the body stops bleeding. It is achieved by the formation of a platelet plug, which is strengthened by formation of a fibrin mesh mediated by the coagulation cascade. In proinflammatory and prothrombotic conditions, multiple interactions of the complement system and the coagulation cascade are known to aggravate thromboinflammatory processes and increase the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. Whether those interactions also play a relevant role during the physiological process of haemostasis is not yet completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of complement components and activation during the haemostatic response to mechanical vessel injury. Methods We used a microvascular bleeding model that simulates a blood vessel, featuring human endothelial cells, perfusion with fresh human whole blood, and an inducible mechanical injury to the vessel. We studied the effects of complement inhibitors against components of the lectin (MASP-1, MASP-2), classical (C1s), alternative (FD) and common pathways (C3, C5), as well as a novel triple fusion inhibitor of all three complement pathways (TriFu). Effects on clot formation were analysed by recording of fibrin deposition and the platelet activation marker CD62P at the injury site in real time using a confocal microscope. Results With the inhibitors targeting MASP-2 or C1s, no significant reduction of fibrin formation was observed, while platelet activation was significantly reduced in the presence of the FD inhibitor. Both common pathway inhibitors targeting C3 or C5, respectively, were associated with a substantial reduction of fibrin formation, and platelet activation was also reduced in the presence of the C3 inhibitor. Triple inhibition of all three activation pathways at the C3-convertase level by TriFu reduced both fibrin formation and platelet activation. When several complement inhibitors were directly compared in two individual donors, TriFu and the inhibitors of MASP-1 and C3 had the strongest effects on clot formation. Conclusion The observed impact of complement inhibition on reducing fibrin clot formation and platelet activation suggests a role of the complement system in haemostasis, with modulators of complement initiation, amplification or effector functions showing distinct profiles. While the interactions between complement and coagulation might have evolved to support haemostasis and protect against bleeding in case of vessel injury, they can turn harmful in pathological conditions when aggravating thromboinflammation and promoting thrombosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Golomingi
- Experimental Haemostasis Group, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessie Kohler
- Experimental Haemostasis Group, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christina Lamers
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Richard B. Pouw
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - József Dobó
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Gál
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Pál
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bence Kiss
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Arthur Dopler
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Christoph Q. Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elaissa Trybus Hardy
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wilbur Lam
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Verena Schroeder
- Experimental Haemostasis Group, Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Fernandes DC, Tambourgi DV. Complement System Inhibitory Drugs in a Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Model: Computational Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13895. [PMID: 37762197 PMCID: PMC10530807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of complement system activation usually results in acute or chronic inflammation and can contribute to the development of various diseases. Although the activation of complement pathways is essential for innate defense, exacerbated activity of this system may be harmful to the host. Thus, drugs with the potential to inhibit the activation of the complement system may be important tools in therapy for diseases associated with complement system activation. The synthetic peptides Cp40 and PMX205 can be highlighted in this regard, given that they selectively inhibit the C3 and block the C5a receptor (C5aR1), respectively. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a robust model for studying the complement system. The aim of the present study was to use in silico computational modeling to investigate the hypothesis that these complement system inhibitor peptides interact with their target molecules in zebrafish, for subsequent in vivo validation. For this, we analyzed molecular docking interactions between peptides and target molecules. Our study demonstrated that Cp40 and the cyclic peptide PMX205 have positive interactions with their respective zebrafish targets, thus suggesting that zebrafish can be used as an animal model for therapeutic studies on these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denise V. Tambourgi
- Immunochemistry Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil;
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Li X, Wang H, Schmidt CQ, Ferreira VP, Yancopoulou D, Mastellos DC, Lambris JD, Hajishengallis G. The Complement-Targeted Inhibitor Mini-FH Protects against Experimental Periodontitis via Both C3-Dependent and C3-Independent Mechanisms. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:453-461. [PMID: 37306457 PMCID: PMC10524879 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A minimized version of complement factor H (FH), designated mini-FH, was previously engineered combining the N-terminal regulatory domains (short consensus repeat [SCR]1-4) and C-terminal host-surface recognition domains (SCR19-20) of the parent molecule. Mini-FH conferred enhanced protection, as compared with FH, in an ex vivo model of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria driven by alternative pathway dysregulation. In the current study, we tested whether and how mini-FH could block another complement-mediated disease, namely periodontitis. In a mouse model of ligature-induced periodontitis (LIP), mini-FH inhibited periodontal inflammation and bone loss in wild-type mice. Although LIP-subjected C3-deficient mice are protected relative to wild-type littermates and exhibit only modest bone loss, mini-FH strikingly inhibited bone loss even in C3-deficient mice. However, mini-FH failed to inhibit ligature-induced bone loss in mice doubly deficient in C3 and CD11b. These findings indicate that mini-FH can inhibit experimental periodontitis even in a manner that is independent of its complement regulatory activity and is mediated by complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18). Consistent with this notion, a complement receptor 3-interacting recombinant FH segment that lacks complement regulatory activity (specifically encompassing SCRs 19 and 20; FH19-20) was also able to suppress bone loss in LIP-subjected C3-deficient mice. In conclusion, mini-FH appears to be a promising candidate therapeutic for periodontitis by virtue of its ability to suppress bone loss via mechanisms that both include and go beyond its complement regulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Li
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Shanghai, China
- University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine, Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine, Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christoph Q. Schmidt
- Institute of Pharmacology of Natural Products and Clinical Pharmacology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Viviana P. Ferreira
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - Dimitrios C. Mastellos
- National Center for Scientific Research 'Demokritos’, INRASTES, Division of Biodiagnostic Science and Technologies, Athens, Greece
| | - John D. Lambris
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - George Hajishengallis
- University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine, Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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7
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Gerogianni A, Bal M, Mohlin C, Woodruff TM, Lambris JD, Mollnes TE, Sjöström DJ, Nilsson PH. In vitro evaluation of iron oxide nanoparticle-induced thromboinflammatory response using a combined human whole blood and endothelial cell model. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1101387. [PMID: 37081885 PMCID: PMC10111002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1101387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are widely used in diagnostic and therapeutic settings. Upon systemic administration, however, they are rapidly recognized by components of innate immunity, which limit their therapeutic capacity and can potentially lead to adverse side effects. IONPs were previously found to induce the inflammatory response in human whole blood, including activation of the complement system and increased secretion of cytokines. Here, we investigated the thromboinflammatory response of 10-30 nm IONPs in lepirudin anticoagulated whole blood in interplay with endothelial cells and evaluated the therapeutic effect of applying complement inhibitors to limit adverse effects related to thromboinflammation. We found that IONPs induced complement activation, primarily at the C3-level, in whole blood incubated for up to four hours at 37°C with and without human microvascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, IONPs mediated a strong thromboinflammatory response, as seen by the significantly increased release of 21 of the 27 analyzed cytokines (p<0.05). IONPs also significantly increased cell-activation markers of endothelial cells [ICAM-1 (p<0.0001), P/E-selectin (p<0.05)], monocytes, and granulocytes [CD11b (p<0.001)], and platelets [CD62P (p<0.05), CD63 (p<0.05), NAP-2 (p<0.01), PF4 (p<0.05)], and showed cytotoxic effects, as seen by increased LDH (p<0.001) and heme (p<0.0001) levels. We found that inflammation and endothelial cell activation were partly complement-dependent and inhibition of complement at the level of C3 by compstatin Cp40 significantly attenuated expression of ICAM-1 (p<0.01) and selectins (p<0.05). We show that complement activation plays an important role in the IONPs-induced thromboinflammatory response and that complement inhibition is promising in improving IONPs biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gerogianni
- Linnaeus Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Melissa Bal
- Linnaeus Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Camilla Mohlin
- Linnaeus Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Trent M. Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tom E. Mollnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital, Bodo, Norway
| | - Dick J. Sjöström
- Linnaeus Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Per H. Nilsson
- Linnaeus Centre for Biomaterials Chemistry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry and Biomedicine, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Per H. Nilsson,
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8
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Kuhn A, Riegger J, Teixeira GQ, Huber-Lang M, Lambris JD, Neidlinger-Wilke C, Brenner RE. Terminal Complement Activation Is Induced by Factors Released from Endplate Tissue of Disc Degeneration Patients and Stimulates Expression of Catabolic Enzymes in Annulus Fibrosus Cells. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060887. [PMID: 36980228 PMCID: PMC10047197 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminal complement complex (TCC) deposition was identified in human degenerated discs. To clarify the role of terminal complement activation in disc degeneration (DD), we investigated respective activating mechanisms and cellular effects in annulus fibrosus (AF) cells. Isolated cells from human AF, nucleus pulposus (NP), and endplate (EP) were stimulated with human serum alone or with zymosan and treated with either the C3 inhibitor Cp40 or the C5 antibody eculizumab. Complement activation was determined via anaphylatoxin generation and TCC deposition detection. Thereby, induced catabolic effects were evaluated in cultured AF cells. Moreover, C5 cleavage under degenerative conditions in the presence of AF cells was assessed. Zymosan-induced anaphylatoxin generation and TCC deposition was significantly suppressed by both complement inhibitors. Zymosan induced gene expression of ADAMTS4, MMP1, and COX2. Whereas the C3 blockade attenuated the expression of ADAMTS4, the C5 blockade reduced the expression of ADAMTS4, MMP1, and COX2. Direct C5 cleavage was significantly enhanced by EP conditioned medium from DD patients and CTSD. These results indicate that terminal complement activation might be functionally involved in the progression of DD. Moreover, we found evidence that soluble factors secreted by degenerated EP tissue can mediate direct C5 cleavage, thereby contributing to complement activation in degenerated discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Kuhn
- Division for Biochemistry of Joint and Connective Tissue Diseases, Department of Orthopedics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jana Riegger
- Division for Biochemistry of Joint and Connective Tissue Diseases, Department of Orthopedics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Graciosa Q. Teixeira
- Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma Immunology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cornelia Neidlinger-Wilke
- Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, Trauma Research Centre, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rolf E. Brenner
- Division for Biochemistry of Joint and Connective Tissue Diseases, Department of Orthopedics, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)731-500-63280
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9
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Helmecke T, Hahn D, Matzke N, Ferdinand L, Franke L, Kühn S, Fischer G, Werner C, Maitz MF. Inflammation-Controlled Anti-Inflammatory Hydrogels. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206412. [PMID: 36581490 PMCID: PMC9982591 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
While autoregulative adaptation is a common feature of living tissues, only a few feedback-controlled adaptive biomaterials are available so far. This paper herein reports a new polymer hydrogel platform designed to release anti-inflammatory molecules in response to the inflammatory activation of human blood. In this system, anti-inflammatory peptide drugs, targeting either the complement cascade, a complement receptor, or cyclophilin A, are conjugated to the hydrogel by a peptide sequence that is cleaved by elastase released from activated granulocytes. As a proof of concept, the adaptive drug delivery from the gel triggered by activated granulocytes and the effect of the released drug on the respective inflammatory pathways are demonstrated. Adjusting the gel functionalization degree is shown to allow for tuning the drug release profiles to effective doses within a micromolar range. Feedback-controlled delivery of covalently conjugated drugs from a hydrogel matrix is concluded to provide valuable safety features suitable to equip medical devices with highly active anti-inflammatory agents without suppressing the general immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Helmecke
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research DresdenInstitute of Biofunctional Polymer MaterialsHohe Strasse 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Dominik Hahn
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research DresdenInstitute of Biofunctional Polymer MaterialsHohe Strasse 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Nadine Matzke
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research DresdenInstitute of Biofunctional Polymer MaterialsHohe Strasse 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Lisa Ferdinand
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research DresdenInstitute of Biofunctional Polymer MaterialsHohe Strasse 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Lars Franke
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences37077GöttingenGermany
| | - Sebastian Kühn
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research DresdenInstitute of Biofunctional Polymer MaterialsHohe Strasse 601069DresdenGermany
| | - Gunter Fischer
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences37077GöttingenGermany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research DresdenInstitute of Biofunctional Polymer MaterialsHohe Strasse 601069DresdenGermany
- Technische Universität DresdenCluster of Excellence Physics of LifeCenter for Regenerative Therapies Dresden and Faculty of Chemistry and Food ChemistryFetscherstraße 10501307DresdenGermany
| | - Manfred F. Maitz
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research DresdenInstitute of Biofunctional Polymer MaterialsHohe Strasse 601069DresdenGermany
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10
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Bechtler C, Koutsogiannaki S, Umnyakova E, Hamid A, Gautam A, Sarigiannis Y, Pouw RB, Lamers C, Rabbani S, Schmidt CQ, Lambris JD, Ricklin D. Complement-regulatory biomaterial coatings: Activity and selectivity profile of the factor H-binding peptide 5C6. Acta Biomater 2023; 155:123-138. [PMID: 36328123 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.10.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of biomaterials in modern medicine has enabled advanced drug delivery strategies and led to reduced morbidity and mortality in a variety of interventions such as transplantation or hemodialysis. However, immune-mediated reactions still present a serious complication of these applications. One of the drivers of such reactions is the complement system, a central part of humoral innate immunity that acts as a first-in-line defense system in its own right but also coordinates other host defense responses. A major regulator of the complement system is the abundant plasma protein factor H (FH), which impairs the amplification of complement responses. Previously, we could show that it is possible to recruit FH to biomedical surfaces using the phage display-derived cyclic peptide 5C6 and, consequently, reduce deposition of C3b, an activation product of the complement system. However, the optimal orientation of 5C6 on surfaces, structural determinants within the peptide for the binding, and the exact binding region on FH remained unknown. Here, we show that the cyclic core and C-terminal region of 5C6 are essential for its interaction with FH and that coating through its N-terminus strongly increases FH recruitment and reduces C3-mediated opsonization in a microparticle-based assay. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that 5C6 selectively binds to FH but not to related proteins. The observation that 5C6 also binds murine FH raises the potential for translational evaluation in animal models. This work provides important insight for the future development of 5C6 as a probe or therapeutic entity to reduce complement activation on biomaterials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomaterials have evolved into core technologies critical to biomedical and drug delivery applications alike, yet their safe and efficient use may be adversely impacted by immune responses to the foreign materials. Taking inspiration from microbial immune evasion strategies, our group developed a peptide-based surface coating that recruits factor H (FH), a host regulator of the complement system, from plasma to the material surface and prevents unwanted activation of this innate immunity pathway. In this study, we identified the molecular determinants that define the interaction between FH and the coated peptide, developed tethering strategies with largely enhanced binding capacity and provided important insight into the target selectivity and species specificity of the FH-binding peptide, thereby paving the way for preclinical development steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Bechtler
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Koutsogiannaki
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ekaterina Umnyakova
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Amal Hamid
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Avneesh Gautam
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yiannis Sarigiannis
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Richard B Pouw
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christina Lamers
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Said Rabbani
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Q Schmidt
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Natural Products, University of Ulm Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 422 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Molecular Pharmacy Group, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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11
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Risitano AM, Frieri C, Urciuoli E, Marano L. The complement alternative pathway in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: From a pathogenic mechanism to a therapeutic target. Immunol Rev 2023; 313:262-278. [PMID: 36110036 PMCID: PMC10087358 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare clonal, not malignant, hematological disease characterized by intravascular hemolysis, thrombophilia and bone marrow failure. While this latter presentation is due to a T-cell mediated auto-immune disorder resembling acquired aplastic anemia, the first two clinical presentations are largely driven by the complement pathway. Indeed, PNH is characterized by a broad impairment of complement regulation on affected cells, which is due to the lack of the complement regulators CD55 and CD59. The deficiency of these two proteins from PNH blood cells is due to the somatic mutation in the phosphatidylinositol N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase subunit A gene causing the disease, which impairs the surface expression of all proteins linked via the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. The lack of the complement regulators CD55 and CD59 on PNH erythrocytes accounts for the hallmark of PNH, which is the chronic, complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis. This hemolysis results from the impaired regulation of the alternative pathway upstream in the complement cascade, as well as of the downstream terminal pathway. PNH represented the first indication for the development of anti-complement agents, and the therapeutic interception of the complement cascade at the level of C5 led to remarkable changes in the natural history of the disease. Nevertheless, the clinical use of an inhibitor of the terminal pathway highlighted the broader derangement of complement regulation in PNH, shedding light on the pivotal role of the complement alternative pathway. Here we review the current understanding of the role of the alternative pathway in PNH, including the emergence of C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis in PNH patients on anti-C5 therapies. These observations provide the rationale for the development of novel complement inhibitors for the treatment of PNH. Recent preclinical and clinical data on proximal complement inhibitors intercepting the alternative pathway with the aim of improving the treatment of PNH are discussed, together with their clinical implications which are animating a lively debate in the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Risitano
- AORN San Giuseppe Moscati, Avellino, Italy.,Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Leiden, Netherlands
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12
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Lamers C, Xue X, Smieško M, van Son H, Wagner B, Berger N, Sfyroera G, Gros P, Lambris JD, Ricklin D. Insight into mode-of-action and structural determinants of the compstatin family of clinical complement inhibitors. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5519. [PMID: 36127336 PMCID: PMC9488889 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
With the addition of the compstatin-based complement C3 inhibitor pegcetacoplan, another class of complement targeted therapeutics have recently been approved. Moreover, compstatin derivatives with enhanced pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles are in clinical development (e.g., Cp40/AMY-101). Despite this progress, the target binding and inhibitory modes of the compstatin family remain incompletely described. Here, we present the crystal structure of Cp40 complexed with its target C3b at 2.0-Å resolution. Structure-activity-relationship studies rationalize the picomolar affinity and long target residence achieved by lead optimization, and reveal a role for structural water in inhibitor binding. We provide explanations for the narrow species specificity of this drug class and demonstrate distinct target selection modes between clinical compstatin derivatives. Functional studies provide further insight into physiological complement activation and corroborate the mechanism of its compstatin-mediated inhibition. Our study may thereby guide the application of existing and development of next-generation compstatin analogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Lamers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Drug Discovery, Faculty of Medicine, Leipzig University, Brüderstrasse 34, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Xiaoguang Xue
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Smieško
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Henri van Son
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bea Wagner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadja Berger
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA
| | - Georgia Sfyroera
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA
| | - Piet Gros
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 401 Stellar Chance, 422 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, 19104, PA, USA.
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056, Basel, Switzerland.
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13
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Abidi M, Karrer E, Csaky K, Handa JT. A Clinical and Preclinical Assessment of Clinical Trials for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration. OPHTHALMOLOGY SCIENCE 2022; 2:100213. [PMID: 36570624 PMCID: PMC9767821 DOI: 10.1016/j.xops.2022.100213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness for the elderly in high-income countries. Although multivitamin antioxidant nutrients can slow the progression of intermediate "dry" or nonneovascular AMD, no treatment can halt or reverse any stage of dry disease. Multiple biologic pathways have been implicated in AMD pathobiology, including the complement pathway. These pathways have been targeted by various approaches in clinical trials. To date, no treatment has reached their prespecified primary end point in 2 phase III trials, a requirement by the US Food and Drug Administration for a new drug approval. Here, we describe perspectives on the failures and possible successes of various clinical trials that will guide further investigation. These perspectives will also discuss clinical trial design issues to consider in future investigations, and how recent insights into AMD pathobiology might both provide additional explanation for trials not reaching the prespecified primary end points and offer direction for identifying prioritized treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abidi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Erik Karrer
- Character Biosciences, Inc., San Carlos, California
| | - Karl Csaky
- Retina Institute of the Southwest, Dallas, Texas
| | - James T. Handa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland,Correspondence: James T. Handa, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 400 N. Broadway, Smith 3015, Baltimore, MD 21287.
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14
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Skendros P, Germanidis G, Mastellos DC, Antoniadou C, Gavriilidis E, Kalopitas G, Samakidou A, Liontos A, Chrysanthopoulou A, Ntinopoulou M, Kogias D, Karanika I, Smyrlis A, Cepaityte D, Fotiadou I, Zioga N, Mitroulis I, Gatselis NK, Papagoras C, Metallidis S, Milionis H, Dalekos GN, Willems L, Persson B, Manivel VA, Nilsson B, Connolly ES, Iacobelli S, Papadopoulos V, Calado RT, Huber-Lang M, Risitano AM, Yancopoulou D, Ritis K, Lambris JD. Complement C3 inhibition in severe COVID-19 using compstatin AMY-101. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo2341. [PMID: 35977025 PMCID: PMC9385148 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo2341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Complement C3 activation contributes to COVID-19 pathology, and C3 targeting has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. We provide interim data from ITHACA, the first randomized trial evaluating a C3 inhibitor, AMY-101, in severe COVID-19 (PaO2/FiO2 ≤ 300 mmHg). Patients received AMY-101 (n = 16) or placebo (n = 15) in addition to standard of care. AMY-101 was safe and well tolerated. Compared to placebo (8 of 15, 53.3%), a higher, albeit nonsignificant, proportion of AMY-101-treated patients (13 of 16, 81.3%) were free of supplemental oxygen at day 14. Three nonresponders and two placebo-treated patients succumbed to disease-related complications. AMY-101 significantly reduced CRP and ferritin and restrained thrombin and NET generation. Complete and sustained C3 inhibition was observed in all responders. Residual C3 activity in the three nonresponders suggested the presence of a convertase-independent C3 activation pathway overriding the drug's inhibitory activity. These findings support the design of larger trials exploring the potential of C3-based inhibition in COVID-19 or other complement-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Skendros
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Christina Antoniadou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Efstratios Gavriilidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anna Samakidou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National and European Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Angelos Liontos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Ntinopoulou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dionysios Kogias
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioanna Karanika
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Andreas Smyrlis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dainora Cepaityte
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Iliana Fotiadou
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikoleta Zioga
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Mitroulis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National and European Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Charalampos Papagoras
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Simeon Metallidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, and Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (SUBRE), School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Haralampos Milionis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National and European Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases (ERN Rare-Liver), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Loek Willems
- R&D Department, Hycult Biotechnology, Uden, Netherlands
| | - Barbro Persson
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vivek Anand Manivel
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E. Sander Connolly
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Simona Iacobelli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Vasileios Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Rodrigo T. Calado
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology and Oncology, University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Antonio M. Risitano
- AORN Moscati Avellino, Italy and Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Konstantinos Ritis
- First Department of Internal Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
- Corresponding author.
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15
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Khan A, Khan SU, Khan A, Shal B, Rehman SU, Rehman SU, Htar TT, Khan S, Anwar S, Alafnan A, Rengasamy KRR. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Rheumatic Potential of Selective Plant Compounds by Targeting TLR-4/AP-1 Signaling: A Comprehensive Molecular Docking and Simulation Approaches. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27134319. [PMID: 35807562 PMCID: PMC9268648 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27134319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants are an important source of drug development and numerous plant derived molecules have been used in clinical practice for the ailment of various diseases. The Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in inflammation including rheumatoid arthritis. The TLR-4 binds with pro-inflammatory ligands such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the downstream signaling mechanism such as nuclear factor κappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs). This signaling activation leads to the onset of various diseases including inflammation. In the present study, 22 natural compounds were studied against TLR-4/AP-1 signaling, which is implicated in the inflammatory process using a computational approach. These compounds belong to various classes such as methylxanthine, sesquiterpene lactone, alkaloid, flavone glycosides, lignan, phenolic acid, etc. The compounds exhibited different binding affinities with the TLR-4, JNK, NF-κB, and AP-1 protein due to the formation of multiple hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. With TLR-4, rutin had the highest binding energy (−10.4 kcal/mol), poncirin had the highest binding energy (−9.4 kcal/mol) with NF-κB and JNK (−9.5 kcal/mol), respectively, and icariin had the highest binding affinity (−9.1 kcal/mol) with the AP-1 protein. The root means square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fraction (RMSF), and radius of gyration (RoG) for 150 ns were calculated using molecular dynamic simulation (MD simulation) based on rutin’s greatest binding energy with TLR-4. The RMSD, RMSF, and RoG were all within acceptable limits in the MD simulation, and the complex remained stable for 150 ns. Furthermore, these compounds were assessed for the potential toxic effect on various organs such as the liver, heart, genotoxicity, and oral maximum toxic dose. Moreover, the blood–brain barrier permeability and intestinal absorption were also predicted using SwissADME software (Lausanne, Switzerland). These compounds exhibited promising physico-chemical as well as drug-likeness properties. Consequently, these selected compounds portray promising anti-inflammatory and drug-likeness properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashrafullah Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
| | - Shafi Ullah Khan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Abasyn University, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;
- Product & Process Innovation Department, Qarshi Brands (Pvt) Ltd., Hattar 22610, Pakistan
| | - Adnan Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
| | - Bushra Shal
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, IQRA University, Islamabad Campus (Chak Shahzad), Park link Rd., Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Sabih Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.U.R.); (S.U.R.)
| | - Shaheed Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore 54600, Pakistan; (S.U.R.); (S.U.R.)
| | - Thet Thet Htar
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Salman Khan
- Pharmacological Sciences Research Lab, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (A.K.); (A.K.); (B.S.)
- Correspondence: or (S.K.); (K.R.R.)
| | - Sirajudheen Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 55211, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Ahmed Alafnan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Hail, Hail 55211, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (A.A.)
| | - Kannan RR Rengasamy
- Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College, Chennai 600077, India
- Correspondence: or (S.K.); (K.R.R.)
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16
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Leonel TB, Gabrili JJM, Squaiella-Baptistão CC, Woodruff TM, Lambris JD, Tambourgi DV. Bothrops jararaca Snake Venom Inflammation Induced in Human Whole Blood: Role of the Complement System. Front Immunol 2022; 13:885223. [PMID: 35720304 PMCID: PMC9201114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.885223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical manifestations of envenomation by Bothrops species are complex and characterized by prominent local effects that can progress to tissue loss, physical disability, or amputation. Systemic signs can also occur, such as hemorrhage, coagulopathy, shock, and acute kidney failure. The rapid development of local clinical manifestations is accompanied by the presence of mediators of the inflammatory process originating from tissues damaged by the bothropic venom. Considering the important role that the complement system plays in the inflammatory response, in this study, we analyzed the action of Bothrops jararaca snake venom on the complement system and cell surface receptors involved in innate immunity using an ex vivo human whole blood model. B. jararaca venom was able to induce activation of the complement system in the human whole blood model and promoted a significant increase in the production of anaphylatoxins C3a/C3a-desArg, C4a/C4a-desArg, C5a/C5a-desArg and sTCC. In leukocytes, the venom of B. jararaca reduced the expression of CD11b, CD14 and C5aR1. Inhibition of the C3 component by Cp40, an inhibitor of C3, resulted in a reduction of C3a/C3a-desArg, C5a/C5a-desArg and sTCC to basal levels in samples stimulated with the venom. Exposure to B. jararaca venom induced the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as TNF-α, IL-8/CXCL8, MCP-1/CCL2 and MIG/CXCL9 in the human whole blood model. Treatment with Cp40 promoted a significant reduction in the production of TNF-α, IL-8/CXCL8 and MCP-1/CCL2. C5aR1 inhibition with PMX205 also promoted a reduction of TNF-α and IL-8/CXCL8 to basal levels in the samples stimulated with venom. In conclusion, the data presented here suggest that the activation of the complement system promoted by the venom of the snake B. jararaca in the human whole blood model significantly contributes to the inflammatory process. The control of several inflammatory parameters using Cp40, an inhibitor of the C3 component, and PMX205, a C5aR1 antagonist, indicates that complement inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic tool in B. jararaca envenoming.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Trent M. Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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17
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Abdullah IT, Ulijasz AT, Girija UV, Tam S, Andrew P, Hiller NL, Wallis R, Yesilkaya H. Structure‐function analysis for development of peptide inhibitors for a Gram positive quorum sensing system. Mol Microbiol 2022; 117:1464-1478. [PMID: 35575437 PMCID: PMC9233744 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.14921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The Streptococcus pneumoniae Rgg144/SHP144 regulator‐peptide quorum sensing (QS) system is critical for nutrient utilization, oxidative stress response, and virulence. Here, we characterized this system by assessing the importance of each residue within the active short hydrophobic peptide (SHP) by alanine‐scanning mutagenesis and testing the resulting peptides for receptor binding and activation of the receptor. Interestingly, several of the mutations had little effect on binding to Rgg144 but reduced transcriptional activation appreciably. In particular, a proline substitution (P21A) reduced transcriptional activation by 29‐fold but bound with a 3‐fold higher affinity than the wild‐type SHP. Consistent with the function of Rgg144, the mutant peptide led to decreased utilization of mannose and increased susceptibility to superoxide generator paraquat. Pangenome comparison showed full conservation of P21 across SHP144 allelic variants. Crystallization of Rgg144 in the absence of peptide revealed a comparable structure to the DNA bound and free forms of its homologs suggesting similar mechanisms of activation. Together, these analyses identify key interactions in a critical pneumococcal QS system. Further manipulation of the SHP has the potential to facilitate the development of inhibitors that are functional across strains. The approach described here is likely to be effective across QS systems in multiple species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Tajer Abdullah
- Department of Respiratory Sciences University of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, College of Science University of Kirkuk Iraq
| | - Andrew T. Ulijasz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Loyola University Chicago Maywood IL USA
| | | | - Sien Tam
- Department of Biological Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Peter Andrew
- Department of Respiratory Sciences University of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
| | - N. Luisa Hiller
- Department of Biological Sciences Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Russell Wallis
- Department of Respiratory Sciences University of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
| | - Hasan Yesilkaya
- Department of Respiratory Sciences University of Leicester Leicester United Kingdom
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18
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Risitano AM, Peffault de Latour R, Marano L, Frieri C. Discovering C3 targeting therapies for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: Achievements and pitfalls. Semin Immunol 2022; 59:101618. [PMID: 35764467 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) was revolutionized by the introduction of the anti-C5 agent eculizumab, which resulted in sustained control of intravascular hemolysis, leading to transfusion avoidance and hemoglobin stabilization in at least half of all patients. Nevertheless, extravascular hemolysis mediated by C3 has emerged as inescapable phenomenon in PNH patients on anti-C5 treatment, frequently limiting its hematological benefit. More than 10 years ago we postulated that therapeutic interception of the complement cascade at the level of C3 should improve the clinical response in PNH. Compstatin is a 13-residue disulfide-bridged peptide binding to both human C3 and C3b, eventually disabling the formation of C3 convertases and thereby preventing complement activation via all three of its activating pathways. Several generations of compstatin analogs have been tested in vitro, and their clinical evaluation has begun in PNH and other complement-mediated diseases. Pegcetacoplan, a pegylated form of the compstatin analog POT-4, has been investigated in two phase I/II and one phase III study in PNH patients. In the phase III study, PNH patients with residual anemia already on eculizumab were randomized to receive either pegcetacoplan or eculizumab in a head-to-head comparison. At week 16, pegcetacoplan was superior to eculizumab in terms of hemoglobin change from baseline (the primary endpoint), as well as in other secondary endpoints tracking intravascular and extravascular hemolysis. Pegcetacoplan showed a good safety profile, even though breakthrough hemolysis emerged as a possible risk requiring additional attention. Here we review all the available data regarding this innovative treatment that has recently been approved for the treatment of PNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M Risitano
- AORN San Giuseppe Moscati Avellino, Italy; Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy; Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Regis Peffault de Latour
- Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Leiden, Netherlands; French Reference Center for Aplastic Anemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, Saint-Louis Hospital and Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Camilla Frieri
- AORN San Giuseppe Moscati Avellino, Italy; Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy; French Reference Center for Aplastic Anemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, Saint-Louis Hospital and Université de Paris, Paris, France
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19
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Compstatins: the dawn of clinical C3-targeted complement inhibition. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:629-640. [PMID: 35090732 PMCID: PMC9553322 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growing recognition of the complement system as a major contributor to a variety of clinical conditions, the therapeutic arsenal has remained scarce. The introduction of an anti-C5 antibody in 2007 raised confidence in complement-targeted therapy. However, it became apparent that inhibition of late-stage effector generation might not be sufficient in multifactorial complement disorders. Upstream intervention at the level of C3 activation has therefore been considered promising. The approval of pegcetacoplan, a C3 inhibitor of the compstatin family, in 2021 served as critical validation of C3-targeted treatment. This review delineates the evolution of the compstatin family from its academic origins to the clinic and highlights current and potential future applications of this promising drug class in complement diseases.
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20
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Complement component C3: A structural perspective and potential therapeutic implications. Semin Immunol 2022; 59:101627. [PMID: 35760703 PMCID: PMC9842190 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
As the most abundant component of the complement system, C3 and its proteolytic derivatives serve essential roles in the function of all three complement pathways. Central to this is a network of protein-protein interactions made possible by the sequential proteolysis and far-reaching structural changes that accompany C3 activation. Beginning with the crystal structures of C3, C3b, and C3c nearly twenty years ago, the physical transformations underlying C3 function that had long been suspected were finally revealed. In the years that followed, a compendium of crystallographic information on C3 derivatives bound to various enzymes, regulators, receptors, and inhibitors generated new levels of insight into the structure and function of the C3 molecule. This Review provides a concise classification, summary, and interpretation of the more than 50 unique crystal structure determinations for human C3. It also highlights other salient features of C3 structure that were made possible through solution-based methods, including Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange and Small Angle X-ray Scattering. At this pivotal time when the first C3-targeted therapeutics begin to see use in the clinic, some perspectives are also offered on how this continually growing body of structural information might be leveraged for future development of next-generation C3 inhibitors.
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21
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Storm BS, Christiansen D, Fure H, Ludviksen JK, Lau C, Lambris JD, Woodruff TM, Brekke OL, Braaten T, Nielsen EW, Mollnes TE. Air Bubbles Activate Complement and Trigger Hemostasis and C3-Dependent Cytokine Release Ex Vivo in Human Whole Blood. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2828-2840. [PMID: 34732467 PMCID: PMC8611197 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Air bubbles trigger a C3-driven thromboinflammation in human whole blood. Blocking C3, but not C5, attenuates the air-induced inflammation. Avoiding ambient air in test tubes attenuates thromboinflammation.
Venous air embolism, which may complicate medical and surgical procedures, activates complement and triggers thromboinflammation. In lepirudin-anticoagulated human whole blood, we examined the effect of air bubbles on complement and its role in thromboinflammation. Whole blood from 16 donors was incubated with air bubbles without or with inhibitors of C3, C5, C5aR1, or CD14. Complement activation, hemostasis, and cytokine release were measured using ELISA and quantitative PCR. Compared with no air, incubating blood with air bubbles increased, on average, C3a 6.5-fold, C3bc 6-fold, C3bBbP 3.7-fold, C5a 4.6-fold, terminal complement complex sC5b9 3.6-fold, prothrombin fragments 1+2 (PTF1+2) 25-fold, tissue factor mRNA (TF-mRNA) 26-fold, microparticle tissue factor 6.1-fold, β-thromboglobulin 26-fold (all p < 0.05), and 25 cytokines 11-fold (range, 1.5–78-fold; all p < 0.0001). C3 inhibition attenuated complement and reduced PTF1+2 2-fold, TF-mRNA 5.4-fold, microparticle tissue factor 2-fold, and the 25 cytokines 2.7-fold (range, 1.4–4.9-fold; all p < 0.05). C5 inhibition reduced PTF1+2 2-fold and TF-mRNA 12-fold (all p < 0.05). C5 or CD14 inhibition alone reduced three cytokines, including IL-1β (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03). Combined C3 and CD14 inhibition reduced all cytokines 3.9-fold (range, 1.3–9.5-fold; p < 0.003) and was most pronounced for IL-1β (3.2- versus 6.4-fold), IL-6 (2.5- versus 9.3-fold), IL-8 (4.9- versus 8.6-fold), and IFN-γ (5- versus 9.5-fold). Antifoam activated complement and was avoided. PTF1+2 was generated in whole blood but not in plasma. In summary, air bubbles activated complement and triggered a C3-driven thromboinflammation. C3 inhibition reduced all mediators, whereas C5 inhibition reduced only TF-mRNA. Combined C5 and CD14 inhibition reduced IL-1β release. These data have implications for future mechanistic studies and possible pharmacological interventions in patients with air embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S Storm
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Surgical Clinic, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway; .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway.,Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Hilde Fure
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | | | - Corinna Lau
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - John D Lambris
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Trent M Woodruff
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ole-Lars Brekke
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway
| | - Tonje Braaten
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway.,Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Erik W Nielsen
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Surgical Clinic, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway.,Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom Eirik Mollnes
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital Trust, Bodø, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, K.G. Jebsen Thrombosis Research and Expertise Center, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and the University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; and.,Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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22
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Hajishengallis G, Hasturk H, Lambris JD. C3-targeted therapy in periodontal disease: moving closer to the clinic. Trends Immunol 2021; 42:856-864. [PMID: 34483038 PMCID: PMC8487962 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Complement plays a key role in immunosurveillance and homeostasis. When dysregulated or overactivated, complement can become a pathological effector, as seen in several inflammatory disorders, including periodontal disease. Recently, clinical correlative studies and preclinical mechanistic investigations have collectively demonstrated that complement is hyperactivated during periodontitis and that targeting its central component (C3) provides therapeutic benefit in nonhuman primates (NHPs). The preclinical efficacy of a C3-targeted drug candidate combined with excellent safety and pharmacokinetic profiles supported its use in a recent Phase IIa clinical study in which C3 inhibition resolved gingival inflammation in patients with periodontal disease. We posit that C3-targeted intervention might represent a novel and transformative host-modulation therapy meriting further investigation in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of periodontitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hajishengallis
- University of Pennsylvania, Penn Dental Medicine, Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Hatice Hasturk
- The Forsyth Institute, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - John D Lambris
- University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Philadelphia, USA.
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23
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C3 complement inhibition prevents antibody-mediated rejection and prolongs renal allograft survival in sensitized non-human primates. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5456. [PMID: 34526511 PMCID: PMC8443599 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25745-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensitized kidney transplant recipients experience high rates of antibody-mediated rejection due to the presence of donor-specific antibodies and immunologic memory. Here we show that transient peri-transplant treatment with the central complement component C3 inhibitor Cp40 significantly prolongs median allograft survival in a sensitized nonhuman primate model. Despite donor-specific antibody levels remaining high, fifty percent of Cp40-treated primates maintain normal kidney function beyond the last day of treatment. Interestingly, presence of antibodies of the IgM class associates with reduced median graft survival (8 vs. 40 days; p = 0.02). Cp40 does not alter lymphocyte depletion by rhesus-specific anti-thymocyte globulin, but inhibits lymphocyte activation and proliferation, resulting in reduced antibody-mediated injury and complement deposition. In summary, Cp40 prevents acute antibody-mediated rejection and prolongs graft survival in primates, and inhibits T and B cell activation and proliferation, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect beyond its direct impact on antibody-mediated injury. Donor-specific antibodies in sensitized recipients may cause kidney transplant rejection. Here the authors show that complement component C3 inhibition prolongs graft survival by inhibiting T and B cell proliferation/activation and hence tissue injury, despite antibody levels remaining unaffected.
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24
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Zeller J, Bogner B, Kiefer J, Braig D, Winninger O, Fricke M, Karasu E, Peter K, Huber-Lang M, Eisenhardt SU. CRP Enhances the Innate Killing Mechanisms Phagocytosis and ROS Formation in a Conformation and Complement-Dependent Manner. Front Immunol 2021; 12:721887. [PMID: 34447388 PMCID: PMC8383111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.721887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Phagocytosis and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagocytic leukocytes are an effective killing mechanism of the innate host defense. These cellular processes of innate immunity function in a complex interplay with humoral factors. C-reactive protein (CRP) in its activated, monomeric isoform (mCRP) has been shown to activate immune cells via the classical complement pathway. We investigated the complement-dependent effects of monomeric CRP (mCRP) on neutrophils and monocyte subtypes using complement-specific inhibitors by both flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy. We demonstrate that CRP-induced ROS generation is a conformation-specific and complement-dependent process in leukocyte subsets with classical monocytes as the primary source of ROS amongst human monocyte subsets. Elucidation of this complex interplay of CRP and complement in inflammation pathophysiology might help to improve anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Zeller
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
| | - Balázs Bogner
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
| | - Jurij Kiefer
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
| | - David Braig
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany.,Division of Hand, Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Oscar Winninger
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
| | - Mark Fricke
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
| | - Ebru Karasu
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Karlheinz Peter
- Atherothrombosis and Vascular Biology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Steffen Ulrich Eisenhardt
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
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25
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From discovery to approval: A brief history of the compstatin family of complement C3 inhibitors. Clin Immunol 2021; 235:108785. [PMID: 34147650 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The FDA approval of pegcetacoplan (Empaveli), a PEGylated compstatin-based C3 therapeutic, as a new treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) marks a milestone in the history of complement drug discovery. Almost 15 years after the approval of the first complement-specific drug for PNH, the anti-C5 antibody eculizumab, a novel class of complement inhibitors with a distinct mechanism of action finally enters the clinic. This landmark decision broadens the spectrum of available complement therapeutics, offering patients with unmet clinical needs or insufficient responses to anti-C5 therapy an alternative treatment option with a broad activity profile. Here we present a brief historical account of this newly approved complement drug, consolidating its approval within the long research record of the compstatin family of peptidic C3 inhibitors.
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26
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Sultan EY, Rizk DE, Kenawy HI, Hassan R. A small fragment of factor B as a potential inhibitor of complement alternative pathway activity. Immunobiology 2021; 226:152106. [PMID: 34147816 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2021.152106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The complement system is a key player in innate immunity and a modulator of the adaptive immune system. Among the three pathways of complement, the alternative pathway (AP) accounts for most of the complement activation. Factor B (FB) is a major protease of the AP, making it a promising target to inhibit the AP activity in conditions of uncontrolled complement activation. METHODS Based on the data obtained from sequence analysis and conformational changes associated with FB, we expressed and purified a recombinant FB fragment (FBfr). We tested the inhibitory activity of the protein against the AP by in vitro assays. RESULTS FBfr protein was proven to inhibit the complement AP activity when tested by C3b deposition assay and rabbit erythrocyte hemolytic assay. CONCLUSION Our recombinant FBfr was able to compete with the native human FB, which allowed it to inhibit the AP activity. This novel compound is a good candidate for further characterization and testing to be used in complement diagnostic tests and as a drug lead in the field of complement therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas Yasser Sultan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Dina Eid Rizk
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
| | - Hany Ibrahim Kenawy
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt.
| | - Ramadan Hassan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Egypt
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27
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Silva de França F, Villas-Boas IM, Cogliati B, Woodruff TM, Reis EDS, Lambris JD, Tambourgi DV. C5a-C5aR1 Axis Activation Drives Envenomation Immunopathology by the Snake Naja annulifera. Front Immunol 2021; 12:652242. [PMID: 33936074 PMCID: PMC8082402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.652242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic complement activation drives a plethora of pathological conditions, but its role in snake envenoming remains obscure. Here, we explored complement's contribution to the physiopathogenesis of Naja annulifera envenomation. We found that N. annulifera venom promoted the generation of C3a, C4a, C5a, and the soluble Terminal Complement Complex (sTCC) mediated by the action of snake venom metalloproteinases. N. annulifera venom also induced the release of lipid mediators and chemokines in a human whole-blood model. This release was complement-mediated, since C3/C3b and C5a Receptor 1 (C5aR1) inhibition mitigated the effects. In an experimental BALB/c mouse model of envenomation, N. annulifera venom promoted lipid mediator and chemokine production, neutrophil influx, and swelling at the injection site in a C5a-C5aR1 axis-dependent manner. N. annulifera venom induced systemic complementopathy and increased interleukin and chemokine production, leukocytosis, and acute lung injury (ALI). Inhibition of C5aR1 with the cyclic peptide antagonist PMX205 rescued mice from these systemic reactions and abrogated ALI development. These data reveal hitherto unrecognized roles for complement in envenomation physiopathogenesis, making complement an interesting therapeutic target in envenomation by N. annulifera and possibly by other snake venoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Trent M. Woodruff
- Neuroinflammation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Edimara da Silva Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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28
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Xu X, Zhang C, Denton DT, O’Connell D, Drolet DW, Geisbrecht BV. Inhibition of the Complement Alternative Pathway by Chemically Modified DNA Aptamers That Bind with Picomolar Affinity to Factor B. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2021; 206:861-873. [PMID: 33419768 PMCID: PMC7851746 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The complement system is a conserved component of innate immunity that fulfills diverse roles in defense and homeostasis. Inappropriate activation of complement contributes to many inflammatory diseases, however, which has led to a renewed emphasis on development of therapeutic complement inhibitors. Activation of complement component C3 is required for amplification of complement and is achieved through two multisubunit proteases called C3 convertases. Of these, the alternative pathway (AP) C3 convertase is responsible for a majority of the C3 activation products in vivo, which renders it an attractive target for inhibitor discovery. In this study, we report the identification and characterization of two related slow off-rate modified DNA aptamers (SOMAmer) reagents that inhibit formation of the AP C3 convertase by binding to the proprotease, factor B (FB). These aptamers, known as SL1102 (31 bases) and SL1103 (29 bases), contain uniform substitutions of 5-(N-2-naphthylethylcarboxyamide)-2'-deoxyuridine for deoxythymidine. SL1102 and SL1103 bind FB with K d values of 49 and 88 pM, respectively, and inhibit activation of C3 and lysis of rabbit erythrocytes under AP-specific conditions. Cocrystal structures of SL1102 (3.4 Å) and SL1103 (3.1 Å) bound to human FB revealed that SL1102 and SL1103 recognize a site at the juncture of the CCP1, CCP3, and vWF domains of FB. Consistent with these structures and previously published information, these aptamers inhibited FB binding to C3b and blocked formation of the AP C3 convertase. Together, these results demonstrate potent AP inhibition by modified DNA aptamers and expand the pipeline of FB-binding molecules with favorable pharmacologic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
| | - Chi Zhang
- SomaLogic, Inc., Boulder, CO 80301; and
| | - Dalton T. Denton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
| | | | | | - Brian V. Geisbrecht
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506
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29
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Hajishengallis G, Chavakis T, Lambris JD. Current understanding of periodontal disease pathogenesis and targets for host-modulation therapy. Periodontol 2000 2020; 84:14-34. [PMID: 32844416 DOI: 10.1111/prd.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances indicate that periodontitis is driven by reciprocally reinforced interactions between a dysbiotic microbiome and dysregulated inflammation. Inflammation is not only a consequence of dysbiosis but, via mediating tissue dysfunction and damage, fuels further growth of selectively dysbiotic communities of bacteria (inflammophiles), thereby generating a self-sustained feed-forward loop that perpetuates the disease. These considerations provide a strong rationale for developing adjunctive host-modulation therapies for the treatment of periodontitis. Such host-modulation approaches aim to inhibit harmful inflammation and promote its resolution or to interfere directly with downstream effectors of connective tissue and bone destruction. This paper reviews diverse strategies targeted to modulate the host periodontal response and discusses their mechanisms of action, perceived safety, and potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hajishengallis
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Department of Clinical Pathobiochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayeong Rho
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Richard A Wells
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Canada
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31
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Computational analysis of complement inhibitor compstatin using molecular dynamics. J Mol Model 2020; 26:231. [PMID: 32789582 PMCID: PMC8851517 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-020-04472-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The complement system plays a major role in human immunity, but its abnormal activation can have severe pathological impacts. By mimicking a natural mechanism of complement regulation, the small peptide compstatin has proven to be a very promising complement inhibitor. Over the years, several compstatin analogs have been created, with improved inhibitory potency. A recent analog is being developed as a candidate drug against several pathological conditions, including COVID-19. However, the reasons behind its higher potency and increased binding affinity to complement proteins are not fully clear. This computational study highlights the mechanistic properties of several compstatin analogs, thus complementing previous experimental studies. We perform molecular dynamics simulations involving six analogs alone in solution and two complexes with compstatin bound to complement component 3. These simulations reveal that all the analogs we consider, except the original compstatin, naturally adopt a pre-bound conformation in solution. Interestingly, this set of analogs adopting a pre-bound conformation includes analogs that were not known to benefit from this behavior. We also show that the most recent compstatin analog (among those we consider) forms a stronger hydrogen bond network with its complement receptor than an earlier analog.
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Chen JY, Galwankar NS, Emch HN, Menon SS, Cortes C, Thurman JM, Merrill SA, Brodsky RA, Ferreira VP. Properdin Is a Key Player in Lysis of Red Blood Cells and Complement Activation on Endothelial Cells in Hemolytic Anemias Caused by Complement Dysregulation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1460. [PMID: 32793201 PMCID: PMC7387411 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system alternative pathway (AP) can be activated excessively in inflammatory diseases, particularly when there is defective complement regulation. For instance, deficiency in complement regulators CD55 and CD59, leads to paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), whereas Factor H mutations predispose to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), both causing severe thrombohemolysis. Despite eculizumab being the treatment for these diseases, benefits vary considerably among patients. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in complement regulation is essential for developing new treatments. Properdin, the positive AP regulator, is essential for complement amplification by stabilizing enzymatic convertases. In this study, the role of properdin in red blood cell (RBC) lysis and endothelial cell opsonization in these AP-mediated diseases was addressed by developing in vitro assays using PNH patient RBCs and human primary endothelial cells, where the effects of inhibiting properdin, using novel monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) that we generated and characterized, were compared to other complement inhibitors. In in vitro models of PNH, properdin inhibition prevented hemolysis of patient PNH type II and III RBCs more than inhibition of Factor B, C3, and C5 (>17-fold, or >81-fold, or >12-fold lower molar IC90 values, respectively). When tested in an in vitro aHUS hemolysis model, the anti-properdin MoAbs had 11-fold, and 86-fold lower molar IC90 values than inhibition of Factor B, or C3, respectively (P < 0.0001). When comparing target/inhibitor ratios in all hemolysis assays, inhibiting properdin was at least as efficient as the other complement inhibitors in most cases. In addition, using in vitro endothelial cell assays, the data indicate a critical novel role for properdin in promoting complement activation on human endothelial cells exposed to heme (a hemolysis by-product) and rH19-20 (to inhibit Factor H cell-surface protection), as occurs in aHUS. Inhibition of properdin or C3 in this system significantly reduced C3 fragment deposition by 75%. Altogether, the data indicate properdin is key in promoting RBC lysis and complement activation on human endothelial cells, contributing to the understanding of PNH and aHUS pathogenesis. Further studies to determine therapeutic values of inhibiting properdin in complement-mediated diseases, in particular those that are characterized by AP dysregulation, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Y Chen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Neeti S Galwankar
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Heather N Emch
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Smrithi S Menon
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Claudio Cortes
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
| | - Joshua M Thurman
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Samuel A Merrill
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Robert A Brodsky
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Viviana P Ferreira
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
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Hughes S, Gumas J, Lee R, Rumano M, Berger N, Gautam AK, Sfyroera G, Chan AL, Gnanaguru G, Connor KM, Kim BJ, Dunaief JL, Ricklin D, Hajishengallis G, Yancopoulou D, Reis ES, Mastellos DC, Lambris JD. Prolonged intraocular residence and retinal tissue distribution of a fourth-generation compstatin-based C3 inhibitor in non-human primates. Clin Immunol 2020; 214:108391. [PMID: 32229292 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss among the elderly population. Genetic studies in susceptible individuals have linked this ocular disease to deregulated complement activity that culminates in increased C3 turnover, retinal inflammation and photoreceptor loss. Therapeutic targeting of C3 has therefore emerged as a promising strategy for broadly intercepting the detrimental proinflammatory consequences of complement activation in the retinal tissue. In this regard, a PEGylated second-generation derivative of the compstatin family of C3-targeted inhibitors is currently in late-stage clinical development as a treatment option for geographic atrophy, an advanced form of AMD which lacks approved therapy. While efficacy has been strongly suggested in phase 2 clinical trials, crucial aspects still remain to be defined with regard to the ocular bioavailability, tissue distribution and residence, and dosing frequency of such inhibitors in AMD patients. Here we report the intraocular distribution and pharmacokinetic profile of the fourth-generation compstatin analog, Cp40-KKK in cynomolgus monkeys following a single intravitreal injection. Using a sensitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based competition assay and ELISA, we have quantified both the amount of inhibitor and the concentration of C3 retained in the vitreous of Cp40-KKK-injected animals. Cp40-KKK displays prolonged intraocular residence, being detected at C3-saturating levels for over 3 months after a single intravitreal injection. Moreover, we have probed the distribution of Cp40-KKK within the ocular tissue by means of immunohistochemistry and highly specific anti-Cp40-KKK antibodies. Both C3 and Cp40-KKK were detected in the retinal tissue of inhibitor-injected animals, with prominent co-localization in the choroid one-month post intravitreal injection. These results attest to the high retinal tissue penetrance and target-driven distribution of Cp40-KKK. Given its subnanomolar binding affinity and prolonged ocular residence, Cp40-KKK constitutes a promising drug candidate for ocular pathologies underpinned by deregulated C3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Hughes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justin Gumas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Merita Rumano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nadja Berger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Avneesh Kumar Gautam
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Georgia Sfyroera
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Gopalan Gnanaguru
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kip M Connor
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin J Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joshua L Dunaief
- Department of Ophthalmology, Scheie Eye Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Switzerland
| | - George Hajishengallis
- Department of Basic and Translational Sciences, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Saez D, Dushime R, Wu H, Ramos Cordova LB, Shukla K, Brown-Harding H, Furdui CM, Tsang AW. Sulforaphane promotes chlamydial infection by suppressing mitochondrial protein oxidation and activation of complement C3. Protein Sci 2020; 28:216-227. [PMID: 30367535 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Sulforaphane (SFN), a phytochemical found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with reported effects in cancer chemoprevention and suppression of infection with intracellular pathogens. Here we report on the impact of SFN on infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), a common sexually transmitted pathogen responsible for 131 million new cases annually worldwide. Astoundingly, we find that SFN as well as broccoli sprouts extract (BSE) promote Ct infection of human host cells. Both the number and size of Ct inclusions were increased when host cells were pretreated with SFN or BSE. The initial investigations presented here point to both the antioxidant and thiol alkylating properties of SFN as regulators of Ct infection. SFN decreased mitochondrial protein sulfenylation and promoted Ct development, which were both reversed by treatment with mitochondria-targeted paraquat (MitoPQ). Inhibition of the complement component 3 (complement C3) by SFN was also identified as a mechanism by which SFN promotes Ct infections. Mass spectrometry analysis found alkylation of cysteine 1010 (Cys1010) in complement C3 by SFN. The studies reported here raise awareness of the Ct infection promoting activity of SFN, and also identify potential mechanisms underlying this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Saez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157, North Carolina
| | - Rosine Dushime
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157, North Carolina
| | - Hanzhi Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157, North Carolina
| | - Lourdes B Ramos Cordova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157, North Carolina
| | - Kirtikar Shukla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157, North Carolina
| | | | - Cristina M Furdui
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157, North Carolina
| | - Allen W Tsang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, 27157, North Carolina
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Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates an integral role for the complement system in the deleterious inflammatory reactions that occur during critical phases of the transplantation process, such as brain or cardiac death of the donor, surgical trauma, organ preservation and ischaemia-reperfusion injury, as well as in humoral and cellular immune responses to the allograft. Ischaemia is the most common cause of complement activation in kidney transplantation and in combination with reperfusion is a major cause of inflammation and graft damage. Complement also has a prominent role in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) owing to ABO and HLA incompatibility, which leads to devastating damage to the transplanted kidney. Emerging drugs and treatment modalities that inhibit complement activation at various stages in the complement cascade are being developed to ameliorate the damage caused by complement activation in transplantation. These promising new therapies have various potential applications at different stages in the process of transplantation, including inhibiting the destructive effects of ischaemia and/or reperfusion injury, treating ABMR, inducing accommodation and modulating the adaptive immune response.
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Zelek WM, Xie L, Morgan BP, Harris CL. Compendium of current complement therapeutics. Mol Immunol 2019; 114:341-352. [PMID: 31446305 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The complement system is well known for its role in innate immunity and in maintenance of tissue homeostasis, providing a first line of defence against infection and playing a key role in flagging apoptotic cells and debris for disposal. Unfortunately, complement also contributes to pathogenesis of many diseases, in some cases driving pathology, and in others amplifying or exacerbating the inflammatory and damaging impact of non-complement disease triggers. The driving role of complement in a single disease, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), provoked the development and eventual FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approval of eculizumab (Soliris™), an anti-C5 antibody, for therapy. Although PNH is very rare, eculizumab provided clinical validation and demonstrated that inhibiting the complement system was not only well-tolerated, but also provided rapid therapy and saved lives. This clinical validation, together with advances in genetic analyses that demonstrated strong associations between complement and common diseases, drove new drug discovery programmes in both academic laboratories and large pharmaceutical companies. Numerous drugs have entered clinical development and several are in phase 3 trials; however, many have fallen by the wayside. Despite this high attrition rate, crucial lessons have been learnt and hurdles to development have become clear. These insights have driven development of next generation anti-complement drugs designed to avoid pitfalls and facilitate patient access. In this article, we do not set out to provide a text-heavy review of complement therapeutics but instead will simply highlight the targets, modalities and current status of the plethora of drugs approved or in clinical development. With such a fast-moving drug development landscape, such a compendium will inevitably become out-dated; however, we provide a snapshot of the current field and illustrate the increased choice that clinicians might enjoy in the future in selecting the best drug for their application, decisions based not only on efficacy but also cost, mechanistic target, modality and route of delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioleta M Zelek
- Systems Immunity Research Institute and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Long Xie
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - B Paul Morgan
- Systems Immunity Research Institute and Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Claire L Harris
- Complement Therapeutics Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK; National Renal Complement Therapeutics Centre, Building 26, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.
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37
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Clinical promise of next-generation complement therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:707-729. [PMID: 31324874 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0031-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The complement system plays a key role in pathogen immunosurveillance and tissue homeostasis. However, subversion of its tight regulatory control can fuel a vicious cycle of inflammatory damage that exacerbates pathology. The clinical merit of targeting the complement system has been established for rare clinical disorders such as paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Evidence from preclinical studies and human genome-wide analyses, supported by new molecular and structural insights, has revealed new pathomechanisms and unmet clinical needs that have thrust a new generation of complement inhibitors into clinical development for a variety of indications. This review critically discusses recent clinical milestones in complement drug discovery, providing an updated translational perspective that may guide optimal target selection and disease-tailored complement intervention.
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Risitano AM, Marotta S, Ricci P, Marano L, Frieri C, Cacace F, Sica M, Kulasekararaj A, Calado RT, Scheinberg P, Notaro R, Peffault de Latour R. Anti-complement Treatment for Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Time for Proximal Complement Inhibition? A Position Paper From the SAAWP of the EBMT. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1157. [PMID: 31258525 PMCID: PMC6587878 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria has been revolutionized by the introduction of the anti-C5 agent eculizumab; however, eculizumab is not the cure for Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), and room for improvement remains. Indeed, the hematological benefit during eculizumab treatment for PNH is very heterogeneous among patients, and different response categories can be identified. Complete normalization of hemoglobin (complete and major hematological response), is seen in no more than one third of patients, while the remaining continue to experience some degree of anemia (good and partial hematological responses), in some cases requiring regular red blood cell transfusions (minor hematological response). Different factors contribute to residual anemia during eculizumab treatment: underlying bone marrow dysfunction, residual intravascular hemolysis and the emergence of C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis. These two latter pathogenic mechanisms are the target of novel strategies of anti-complement treatments, which can be split into terminal and proximal complement inhibitors. Many novel terminal complement inhibitors are now in clinical development: they all target C5 (as eculizumab), potentially paralleling the efficacy and safety profile of eculizumab. Possible advantages over eculizumab are long-lasting activity and subcutaneous self-administration. However, novel anti-C5 agents do not improve hematological response to eculizumab, even if some seem associated with a lower risk of breakthrough hemolysis caused by pharmacokinetic reasons (it remains unclear whether more effective inhibition of C5 is possible and clinically beneficial). Indeed, proximal inhibitors are designed to interfere with early phases of complement activation, eventually preventing C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis in addition to intravascular hemolysis. At the moment there are three strategies of proximal complement inhibition: anti-C3 agents, anti-factor D agents and anti-factor B agents. These agents are available either subcutaneously or orally, and have been investigated in monotherapy or in association with eculizumab in PNH patients. Preliminary data clearly demonstrate that proximal complement inhibition is pharmacologically feasible and apparently safe, and may drastically improve the hematological response to complement inhibition in PNH. Indeed, we envision a new scenario of therapeutic complement inhibition, where proximal inhibitors (either anti-C3, anti-FD or anti-FB) may prove effective for the treatment of PNH, either in monotherapy or in combination with anti-C5 agents, eventually leading to drastic improvement of hematological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M. Risitano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Serena Marotta
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Patrizia Ricci
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Luana Marano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Camilla Frieri
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Cacace
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Sica
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Gene Transfer, Core Research Laboratory - Istituto per lo Studio, la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Austin Kulasekararaj
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Gene Transfer, Core Research Laboratory - Istituto per lo Studio, la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
- Department of Haematological Medicine, King's College Hospital, National Institute of Health Research/Wellcome King's Clinical Research Facility, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rodrigo T. Calado
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Phillip Scheinberg
- Division of Hematology, Hospital A Beneficência Portuguesa, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosario Notaro
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Gene Transfer, Core Research Laboratory - Istituto per lo Studio, la Prevenzione e la Rete Oncologica (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Regis Peffault de Latour
- Severe Aplastic Anemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Leiden, Netherlands
- French Reference Center for Aplastic Anemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria, Saint Louis Hospital and University Paris Diderot, Paris, France
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39
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Evidence for the important role of inflammation in xenotransplantation. JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION-LONDON 2019; 16:10. [PMID: 31148951 PMCID: PMC6537172 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-019-0213-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of a sustained state of systemic inflammation after pig-to-nonhuman primate (NHP) xenotransplantation (that has been termed systemic inflammation in xenograft recipients [SIXR]). Increases in inflammatory markers, e.g., C-reactive protein, histones, serum amyloid A, D-dimer, cytokines, chemokines, and a decrease in free triiodothyronine, have been demonstrated in the recipient NHPs. The complex interactions between inflammation, coagulation, and the immune response are well-recognized, but the role of inflammation in xenograft recipients is not fully understood. The evidence suggests that inflammation can promote the activation of coagulation and the adaptive immune response, but the exact mechanisms remain uncertain. If prolonged xenograft survival is to be achieved, anti-inflammatory strategies (e.g., the administration of anti-inflammatory agents, and/or the generation of genetically-engineered organ-source pigs that are protected from the effect of inflammation) may be necessary to prevent, control, or negate the effect of the systemic inflammation that develops in xenograft recipients. This may allow for a reduction in the intensity of exogenous immunosuppressive therapy. If immunological tolerance to a xenograft is to be obtained, then control of inflammation may be essential.
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40
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Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (AA&MDSIF): Bone Marrow Failure Disease Scientific Symposium 2018. Leuk Res 2019; 80:19-25. [PMID: 30908982 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The bone marrow failure (BMF) syndromes are a group of rare disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis resulting from deficiencies in the hematopoietic stem cell compartment. Although these diseases are typically acquired, some forms (e.g., Fanconi anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, Diamond Blackfan anemia, and Shwachman Diamond syndrome) are inherited. Patients with BMF syndromes can develop peripheral blood cytopenias and pancytopenia, and their disease can ultimately progress to acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Research around the world is shedding light on the biology of the BMF syndromes, their clinical effects, and novel treatments. The Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation (AAMDSIF) is an independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to help patients and family members cope with BMF syndromes. This report summarizes presentations on the latest scientific discoveries in BMF syndromes from the Sixth International Bone Marrow Failure Disease Scientific Symposium sponsored by AAMDSIF on March 22-23, 2018, in Rockville, Maryland.
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Hajishengallis G, Kajikawa T, Hajishengallis E, Maekawa T, Reis ES, Mastellos DC, Yancopoulou D, Hasturk H, Lambris JD. Complement-Dependent Mechanisms and Interventions in Periodontal Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:406. [PMID: 30915073 PMCID: PMC6422998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease that leads to the destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues. Current therapies are not effective for all patients and this oral disease continues to be a significant public health and economic burden. Central to periodontal disease pathogenesis is a reciprocally reinforced interplay between microbial dysbiosis and destructive inflammation, suggesting the potential relevance of host-modulation therapies. This review summarizes and discusses clinical observations and pre-clinical intervention studies that collectively suggest that complement is hyperactivated in periodontitis and that its inhibition provides a therapeutic benefit. Specifically, interception of the complement cascade at its central component, C3, using a locally administered small peptidic compound (Cp40/AMY-101) protected non-human primates from induced or naturally occurring periodontitis. These studies indicate that C3-targeted intervention merits investigation as an adjunctive treatment of periodontal disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hajishengallis
- Department of Microbiology, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tetsuhiro Kajikawa
- Department of Microbiology, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Evlambia Hajishengallis
- Division of Pediatric Dentistry, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, Penn Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Tomoki Maekawa
- Research Center for Advanced Oral Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Dimitrios C Mastellos
- Division of Biodiagnostic Sciences and Technologies, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | | | - Hatice Hasturk
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Forsyth Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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42
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Fernandez-Godino R, Bujakowska KM, Pierce EA. Changes in extracellular matrix cause RPE cells to make basal deposits and activate the alternative complement pathway. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:147-159. [PMID: 29095988 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The design of efficient therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is limited by our understanding of the pathogenesis of basal deposits, which form between retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Bruch's membrane (BrM) early in disease, and involve activation of the complement system. To investigate the roles of BrM, RPE and complement in an AMD, we generated abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) using CRISPR-edited ARPE-19 cells. We introduced to these cells the p.R345W mutation in EFEMP1, which causes early-onset macular degeneration. The abnormal ECM binds active complement C3 and causes the formation of basal deposits by normal human fetal (hf)RPE cells. Human fetal RPE (hfRPE) cells grown on abnormal ECM or BrM explants from AMD donors show chronic activation of the alternative complement pathway by excessive deposition of C3b. This process is exacerbated by impaired ECM turnover via increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity. The local cleavage of C3 via convertase-independent mechanisms can be a new therapeutic target for early AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Fernandez-Godino
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Ocular Genomics Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kinga M Bujakowska
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Ocular Genomics Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Eric A Pierce
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Ocular Genomics Institute, Boston, MA 02114, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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43
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van Griensven M, Ricklin D, Denk S, Halbgebauer R, Braun CK, Schultze A, Hönes F, Koutsogiannaki S, Primikyri A, Reis E, Messerer D, Hafner S, Radermacher P, Biglarnia AR, Resuello RR, Tuplano JV, Mayer B, Nilsson K, Nilsson B, Lambris JD, Huber-Lang M. Protective Effects of the Complement Inhibitor Compstatin CP40 in Hemorrhagic Shock. Shock 2019; 51:78-87. [PMID: 29461464 PMCID: PMC6092248 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000001127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Trauma-induced hemorrhagic shock (HS) plays a decisive role in the development of immune, coagulation, and organ dysfunction often resulting in a poor clinical outcome. Imbalanced complement activation is intricately associated with the molecular danger response and organ damage after HS. Thus, inhibition of the central complement component C3 as turnstile of both inflammation and coagulation is hypothesized as a rational strategy to improve the clinical course after HS.Applying intensive care conditions, anaesthetized, monitored, and protectively ventilated nonhuman primates (NHP; cynomolgus monkeys) received a pressure-controlled severe HS (60 min at mean arterial pressure 30 mmHg) with subsequent volume resuscitation. Thirty minutes after HS, animals were randomly treated with either an analog of the C3 inhibitor compstatin (i.e., Cp40) in saline (n = 4) or with saline alone (n = 4). The observation period lasted 300 min after induction of HS.We observed improved kidney function in compstatin Cp40-treated animals after HS as determined by improved urine output, reduced damage markers and a tendency of less histopathological signs of acute kidney injury. Sham-treated animals revealed classical signs of mucosal edema, especially in the ileum and colon reflected by worsened microscopic intestinal injury scores. In contrast, Cp40-treated HS animals exhibited only minor signs of organ edema and significantly less intestinal damage. Furthermore, early systemic inflammation and coagulation dysfunction were both ameliorated by Cp40.The data suggest that therapeutic inhibition of C3 is capable to significantly improve immune, coagulation, and organ function and to preserve organ-barrier integrity early after traumatic HS. C3-targeted complement inhibition may therefore reflect a promising therapeutic strategy in fighting fatal consequences of HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn van Griensven
- Experimental Trauma Surgery, Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Ricklin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Denk
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Rebecca Halbgebauer
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian K. Braun
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Anke Schultze
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Felix Hönes
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sofia Koutsogiannaki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexandra Primikyri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Edimara Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David Messerer
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hafner
- Institute for Anaesthesiological Pathophysiology and Process Development, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Radermacher
- Institute for Anaesthesiological Pathophysiology and Process Development, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Ali-Reza Biglarnia
- Department of Transplantation, Malmö University Hospital, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Ranillo R.G. Resuello
- Simian Conservation Breeding and Research Center (SICONBREC), Makati City, Philippines
| | - Joel V. Tuplano
- Simian Conservation Breeding and Research Center (SICONBREC), Makati City, Philippines
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Kristina Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John D. Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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44
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Reis ES, Berger N, Wang X, Koutsogiannaki S, Doot RK, Gumas JT, Foukas PG, Resuello RRG, Tuplano JV, Kukis D, Tarantal AF, Young AJ, Kajikawa T, Soulika AM, Mastellos DC, Yancopoulou D, Biglarnia AR, Huber-Lang M, Hajishengallis G, Nilsson B, Lambris JD. Safety profile after prolonged C3 inhibition. Clin Immunol 2018; 197:96-106. [PMID: 30217791 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The central component of the complement cascade, C3, is involved in various biological functions, including opsonization of foreign bodies, clearance of waste material, activation of immune cells, and triggering of pathways controlling development. Given its broad role in immune responses, particularly in phagocytosis and the clearance of microbes, a deficiency in complement C3 in humans is often associated with multiple bacterial infections. Interestingly, an increased susceptibility to infections appears to occur mainly in the first two years of life and then wanes throughout adulthood. In view of the well-established connection between C3 deficiency and infections, therapeutic inhibition of complement at the level of C3 is often considered with caution or disregarded. We therefore set out to investigate the immune and biochemical profile of non-human primates under prolonged treatment with the C3 inhibitor compstatin (Cp40 analog). Cynomolgus monkeys were dosed subcutaneously with Cp40, resulting in systemic inhibition of C3, for 1 week, 2 weeks, or 3 months. Plasma concentrations of both C3 and Cp40 were measured periodically and complete saturation of plasma C3 was confirmed. No differences in hematological, biochemical, or immunological parameters were identified in the blood or tissues of animals treated with Cp40 when compared to those injected with vehicle alone. Further, skin wounds showed no signs of infection in those treated with Cp40. In fact, Cp40 treatment was associated with a trend toward accelerated wound healing when compared with the control group. In addition, a biodistribution study in a rhesus monkey indicated that the distribution of Cp40 in the body is associated with the presence of C3, concentrating in organs that accumulate blood and produce C3. Overall, our data suggest that systemic C3 inhibition in healthy adult non-human primates is not associated with a weakened immune system or susceptibility to infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nadja Berger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sophia Koutsogiannaki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert K Doot
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Justin T Gumas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Periklis G Foukas
- 2nd Department of Pathology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ranillo R G Resuello
- Simian Conservation Breeding and Research Center (SICONBREC), Makati City, Philippines
| | - Joel V Tuplano
- Simian Conservation Breeding and Research Center (SICONBREC), Makati City, Philippines
| | - David Kukis
- Center for Molecular and Genomic Imaging, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alice F Tarantal
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, and California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Anthony J Young
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Tetsuhiro Kajikawa
- Department of Microbiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Athena M Soulika
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | | | | | - Ali-Reza Biglarnia
- Department of Transplantation, Skane University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Markus Huber-Lang
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - George Hajishengallis
- Department of Microbiology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bo Nilsson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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45
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Risitano AM, Marotta S. Toward complement inhibition 2.0: Next generation anticomplement agents for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Am J Hematol 2018; 93:564-577. [PMID: 29314145 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.25016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic complement inhibition by eculizumab has revolutionized the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) with a major impact on its natural history. Nevertheless, emerging unmet clinical needs may benefit from the development of novel complement inhibitors. Novel strategies of complement inhibition exploit different agents targeting C5, as well as compound intercepting the complement cascade at the level of its key component C3, or even upstream at the level of components involved in complement alternative pathway initiation. Many of these agents are already in their clinical development; preliminary data together with a deep understanding of PNH biology may help to anticipate their possible clinical effect. Novel anti-C5 agents include monoclonal antibodies (even long-lasting) as well as other small molecules bioavailable by subcutaneous administration; an anti-C5 small interfering RNA has been developed too. All these anti-C5 agents seem to recapitulate safety and efficacy of current eculizumab treatment; their main improvement pertains to better patient's convenience due to longer dosing interval and/or possible subcutaneous self-administration. The possibility of achieving a deeper C5 inhibition has been shown as well, but its actual clinical meaning remains to be elucidated. Upstream complement inhibitors include the anti-C3 small peptide compstatin (and its derivatives), and small inhibitors of complement factor D or complement factor B. This class of compounds anticipates a possible efficacy in prevention of C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis, in addition to inhibition of intravascular hemolysis, eventually leading to improved hematological responses. The availability of all these compounds will result soon in a substantial improvement of PNH management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio M. Risitano
- Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery; Federico II University; Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Marotta
- Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery; Federico II University; Naples, Italy
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Zwarthoff SA, Berends ETM, Mol S, Ruyken M, Aerts PC, Józsi M, de Haas CJC, Rooijakkers SHM, Gorham RD. Functional Characterization of Alternative and Classical Pathway C3/C5 Convertase Activity and Inhibition Using Purified Models. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1691. [PMID: 30083158 PMCID: PMC6064732 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement is essential for the protection against infections; however, dysregulation of complement activation can cause onset and progression of numerous inflammatory diseases. Convertase enzymes play a central role in complement activation and produce the key mediators of complement: C3 convertases cleave C3 to generate chemoattractant C3a and label target cells with C3b, which promotes phagocytosis; C5 convertases cleave C5 into chemoattractant C5a, and C5b, which drives formation of the membrane attack complex. Since convertases mediate nearly all complement effector functions, they are ideal targets for therapeutic complement inhibition. A unique feature of convertases is their covalent attachment to target cells, which effectively confines complement activation to the cell surface. However, surface localization precludes detailed analysis of convertase activation and inhibition. In our previous work, we developed a model system to form purified alternative pathway (AP) C5 convertases on C3b-coated beads and quantify C5 conversion via functional analysis of released C5a. Here, we developed a C3aR cell reporter system that enables functional discrimination between C3 and C5 convertases. By regulating the C3b density on the bead surface, we observe that high C3b densities are important for conversion of C5, but not C3, by AP convertases. Screening of well-characterized complement-binding molecules revealed that differential inhibition of AP C3 convertases (C3bBb) and C5 convertases [C3bBb(C3b)n] is possible. Although both convertases contain C3b, the C3b-binding molecules Efb-C/Ecb and FHR5 specifically inhibit C5 conversion. Furthermore, using a new classical pathway convertase model, we show that these C3b-binding proteins not only block AP C3/C5 convertases but also inhibit formation of a functional classical pathway C5 convertase under well-defined conditions. Our models enable functional characterization of purified convertase enzymes and provide a platform for the identification and development of specific convertase inhibitors for treatment of complement-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seline A Zwarthoff
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Evelien T M Berends
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sanne Mol
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maartje Ruyken
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Piet C Aerts
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mihály Józsi
- Department of Immunology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Carla J C de Haas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Suzan H M Rooijakkers
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ronald D Gorham
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Berger N, Alayi TD, Resuello RRG, Tuplano JV, Reis ES, Lambris JD. New Analogs of the Complement C3 Inhibitor Compstatin with Increased Solubility and Improved Pharmacokinetic Profile. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6153-6162. [PMID: 29920096 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Improper regulation of complement is associated with various pathologies, and the clinical demand for compounds that can regulate complement activation is therefore imperative. Cp40, an analog of the peptide compstatin, inhibits all complement pathways at the level of the central component C3. We have further developed Cp40, using either PEGylation at the N-terminus or insertion of charged amino acids at the C-terminus. The PEGylated analogs are highly soluble and retained their inhibitory activity, with C3b binding affinity dependent on the length of the PEG chain. The addition of two or three residues of lysine, in turn, not only improved the peptide's solubility but also increased the binding affinity for C3b while retaining its inhibitory potency. Three of the new derivatives showed improved pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo in non-human primates. Given their compelling solubility and pharmacokinetic profiles, these new Cp40 analogs should broaden the spectrum of administration routes, likely reducing dosing frequency during chronic treatment and potentially expanding their range of clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Berger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
| | - Tchilabalo Dilezitoko Alayi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
| | - Ranillo R G Resuello
- Simian Conservation Breeding and Research Center (SICONBREC) , Makati City 1231 , Philippines
| | - Joel V Tuplano
- Simian Conservation Breeding and Research Center (SICONBREC) , Makati City 1231 , Philippines
| | - Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine , University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania 19104 , United States
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48
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Mastellos DC, Reis ES, Yancopoulou D, Risitano AM, Lambris JD. Expanding Complement Therapeutics for the Treatment of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. Semin Hematol 2018; 55:167-175. [PMID: 30032754 PMCID: PMC6060635 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is widely regarded as an archetypal complement-mediated disorder that has propelled complement drug discovery in recent decades. Its pathology is driven by chronic complement dysregulation resulting from the lack of the glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol-linked regulators DAF and CD59 on susceptible erythrocytes. This complement imbalance fuels persistent C3 activation on affected erythrocytes, which culminates in chronic complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis. The clinical application of eculizumab, a humanized anti-C5 antibody that blocks terminal pathway activation, has led to drastic improvement of therapeutic outcomes but has also unveiled hitherto elusive pathogenic mechanisms that are now known to contribute to the clinical burden of a significant proportion of patients with PNH. These emerging clinical needs have sparked a true resurgence of complement therapeutics that offer the promise of even more effective, disease-tailored therapies for PNH. Here, we review the current state of complement therapeutics with a focus on the clinical development of C3-targeted and alternative pathway-directed drug candidates for the treatment of PNH. We also discuss the relative advantages and benefits offered by each complement-targeting approach, including translational considerations that might leverage a more comprehensive clinical intervention for PNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios C Mastellos
- Division of Biodiagnostic Sciences and Technologies, INRASTES, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Edimara S Reis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Antonio M Risitano
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - John D Lambris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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49
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Jensen RK, Pihl R, Gadeberg TAF, Jensen JK, Andersen KR, Thiel S, Laursen NS, Andersen GR. A potent complement factor C3-specific nanobody inhibiting multiple functions in the alternative pathway of human and murine complement. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:6269-6281. [PMID: 29497000 PMCID: PMC5925797 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra117.001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The complement system is a complex, carefully regulated proteolytic cascade for which suppression of aberrant activation is of increasing clinical relevance, and inhibition of the complement alternative pathway is a subject of intense research. Here, we describe the nanobody hC3Nb1 that binds to multiple functional states of C3 with subnanomolar affinity. The nanobody causes a complete shutdown of alternative pathway activity in human and murine serum when present in concentrations comparable with that of C3, and hC3Nb1 is shown to prevent proconvertase assembly, as well as binding of the C3 substrate to C3 convertases. Our crystal structure of the C3b-hC3Nb1 complex and functional experiments demonstrate that proconvertase formation is blocked by steric hindrance between the nanobody and an Asn-linked glycan on complement factor B. In addition, hC3Nb1 is shown to prevent factor H binding to C3b, rationalizing its inhibition of factor I activity. Our results identify hC3Nb1 as a versatile, inexpensive, and powerful inhibitor of the alternative pathway in both human and murine in vitro model systems of complement activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rasmus Pihl
- Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jan K. Jensen
- From the Departments of Molecular Biology and Genetics and
| | | | - Steffen Thiel
- Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Gregers R. Andersen
- From the Departments of Molecular Biology and Genetics and , To whom correspondence should be addressed:
Dept. of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 10C, DK-8000 Aarhus, Denmark. Tel.:
45-5144-6530; Fax:
45-8619-6500; E-mail:
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50
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Therapeutic modulation of complement activation is considered as a promising approach for the treatment of host tissue damage in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Complement component protein C3 is a particularly attractive drug target for complement inhibitors, due to its central role in three pathways of complement activation cascade. Areas covered: The author provides a comprehensive review on compstatin family peptides which have been discovered and optimized as potent and selective C3 inhibitors via a combination of chemical, biophysical and computational approaches. New generations of the compstatin family with improved potency and therapeutic properties have been developed in recent years. Over two decades, compstatin demonstrated therapeutic potential as a first-of-its-kind complement inhibitor in a series of disease models, with encouraging efforts in clinical trials. Expert opinion: Compstatin holds promise for new therapeutic implications in blocking the effect of the complement cascade in a variety of disease conditions. The development of cost-effective treatment options with suitable dosing route and schedule will be critical for patients with complement mediated chronic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Huang
- a WuXi AppTec Inc ., Philadelphia , PA , USA
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