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Abstract
BACKGROUND The membrane attack complex C5b-9 causes injury in many forms of immune-mediated glomerular diseases characterized by mesangial cell (MC) proliferation and inhibiting C5b-9 decreases MC proliferation in vivo. Membrane insertion of sublytic quantities of the membrane attack complex of complement (C5b-9) is a potent stimulus for cell activation and the production of a variety of cytokines, growth factors, oxidants, matrix components, and other nephritogenic molecules. In vivo, a common response of MC to C5b-9--mediated injury is cell proliferation, an event closely linked to matrix expansion and sclerosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that C5b-9 might also serve as a mitogenic stimulus for MCs. METHODS Rat MCs in vitro were exposed anti-Thy1 antibody and 2% normal PVG serum (a complement source) to induce sublytic C5b-9 attack and DNA synthesis and cell number were measured. Control MCs were exposed to antibody and C6-deficient PVG serum. RESULTS Sublytic C5b-9--induced injury to MCs is sufficient to induce DNA synthesis. Furthermore, C5b-9 augmented DNA synthesis induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and 5% fetal calf serum. C5b-9--induced DNA synthesis was reduced by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) with superoxide dismutase and catalase, but not by neutralizing the mitogenic growth factors PDGF and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that C5b-9 may directly increase DNA synthesis in cultured MCs, which are mediated in part by the release of ROS, and that C5b-9 also augments DNA synthesis induced in MCs by other known mitogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- W G Couser
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA
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52
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Yamada K, Hori Y, Hanafusa N, Okuda T, Nagano N, Choi-Miura NH, Couser WG, Miyata T, Kurokawa K, Fujita T, Nangaku M. Clusterin is up-regulated in glomerular mesangial cells in complement-mediated injury. Kidney Int 2001; 59:137-46. [PMID: 11135066 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.2001.00474.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clusterin is a soluble complement regulatory protein that binds to C5b-7 and inhibits generation of membrane attack complex, C5b-9. Glomerular deposition of clusterin has been observed in human and experimental membranous nephropathy in association with C5b-9 and immune deposits. However, it is controversial as to whether clusterin observed in glomeruli is synthesized by the resident glomerular cells or is derived from the circulation. We examined whether clusterin is expressed by resident glomerular cells exposed to complement-mediated injury. METHODS In vitro, cultured mesangial cells were exposed to antithymocyte serum immunoglobulin G and 5% normal rat serum as a complement source. In vivo, we induced anti-Thy1 nephritis in rats and examined the kidneys on days 8 and 29. RESULTS We observed increased expression of clusterin in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells stimulated by sublytic complement attack. We also demonstrated that in comparison with control rats, both a marked increase in clusterin mRNA in the glomeruli and marked deposition of clusterin protein in the mesangial area occurred in the OX-7-treated rats on day 8 in association with C5b-9 deposition and on day 29. CONCLUSION Clusterin was induced in glomerular mesangial cells during the course of immune-mediated injuries. This up-regulation of clusterin may play a critical role in protecting mesangial cells from complement attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yamada
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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53
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Daha MR, van Kooten C. Is there a role for locally produced complement in renal disease? Nephrol Dial Transplant 2000; 15:1506-9. [PMID: 11007812 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/15.10.1506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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54
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Hughes J, Nangaku M, Alpers CE, Shankland SJ, Couser WG, Johnson RJ. C5b-9 membrane attack complex mediates endothelial cell apoptosis in experimental glomerulonephritis. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2000; 278:F747-57. [PMID: 10807586 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.2000.278.5.f747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the role of the C5b-9 membrane attack complex in two models of inflammatory glomerulonephritis (GN) initiated by acute glomerular endothelial injury in Piebold-viral-Glaxo (PVG) complement-sufficient rats (C+), C6-deficient rats (C6-), and rats systematically depleted of complement with cobra venom factor (CVF). GN was induced by performing a left nephrectomy and selectively perfusing the right kidney with either 1) the lectin concanavalin A (Con A) followed by complement-fixing anti-Con A (Con A GN) or 2) purified complement-fixing goat anti-rat glomerular endothelial cell (GEN) antibody [immune-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (ITM)]. Comparable levels of GEN apoptosis were detected in C+ animals in both models. CVF administration reduced GEN apoptosis by 10- to 12-fold. GEN apoptosis was C5b-9 dependent because PVG C6- rats were protected from GEN loss. Furthermore, functional inhibition of the cell surface complement regulatory protein CD59 by renal perfusion with anti-CD59 antibody in ITM resulted in a 3.5-fold increase in GEN apoptosis. Last, in Con A GN, abrogation of GEN apoptosis preserved endothelial integrity and renal function. This study demonstrates the specific role of C5b-9 in the induction of GEN apoptosis in experimental inflammatory GN, a finding with implications for diseases associated with the presence of antiendothelial cell antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Hughes
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA.
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55
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Distinctive roles of neutrophils and monocytes in anti-thy-1 nephritis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2000; 156:303-10. [PMID: 10623679 PMCID: PMC1868627 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)64731-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Anti-Thy-1.1 glomerulonephritis as an experimental model for mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was induced in Wistar rats by a single injection of monoclonal IgG2a-anti-Thy-1.1 antibody (ER4G). This transient model is complement-mediated and leads to mesangial-cell (MC) lysis followed by MC proliferation, glomerular microaneurysm formation, glomerular influx of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and macrophages, proteinuria, and hematuria. In this study we investigated the distinctive roles of infiltrating PMNs or monocytes/macrophages by treating rats with an antibody against rat integrin CD11b/CD18 (ED7) or by depletion of monocytes with multilamellar clodronate liposomes, respectively. ED7 administration resulted in reduction of the influx of PMNs in glomeruli during the first 6 days after induction of Thy-1.1 nephritis, whereas treatment with an isotype-matched irrelevant antibody (PEN9) or with phosphate-buffered saline had no effect on macrophage influx. Increased glomerular C3 and C6 deposition on days 1 and 3 was seen in the ED7-treated rats but not seen in the control groups. In addition, the ED7-treated group showed an increased number of aneurysmatic glomeruli and more severe hematuria. Monocyte/macrophage depletion led to a significant reduction of mesangial matrix expansion, although mesangial proliferation, proteinuria, and hematuria remained unaltered. These results, together with the known effects of PMN-derived enzymes on C3 cleavage, suggest that a reduction in the influx of PMNs results in sparing of C3 and consequently of more complement activation in the glomerulus with increased complement-mediated damage. Our data indicate that infiltrating PMNs and monocytes/macrophages play distinctive roles during inflammation in this model of MC glomerulonephritis.
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56
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Nangaku M, Pippin J, Couser WG. Complement membrane attack complex (C5b-9) mediates interstitial disease in experimental nephrotic syndrome. J Am Soc Nephrol 1999; 10:2323-31. [PMID: 10541291 DOI: 10.1681/asn.v10112323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the generation of complement activation products from filtered complement components in urine with nonselective proteinuria leads to tubulointerstitial disease, resulting in progressive loss of renal function. To elucidate the role of C5b-9 in complement-mediated effects on renal tubular cells exposed to proteinuric urine, equivalent levels of proteinuria were induced (using the aminonucleoside of puromycin) in normocomplementemic and genetically C6-deficient piebald viral glaxo (PVG) rats. Semiquantitative histologic analysis revealed that complement-sufficient animals developed more severe tubulointerstitial disease than did C6-deficient rats. Amelioration of tubulointerstitial damage in C6-deficient animals was confirmed by studies with three independent markers of tubular damage, i.e., vimentin, osteopontin, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. More tubular epithelial cells expressed osteopontin (an early marker of tubular injury) in normocomplementemic rats, compared with C6-deficient rats, at both days 7 and 12. Staining of vimentin in the tubules, near areas of tubular damage, was increased in normocomplementemic rats at day 12, and more proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive tubular cells were observed at day 12 in complement-sufficient animals. The tubulointerstitial damage in complement-sufficient rats was also associated with greater accumulation of extracellular matrix (fibronectin) at day 12. These studies document for the first time an important role for C6, and therefore C5b-9, in the pathogenesis of nonimmunologic tubulointerstitial injury induced by proteinuria. These findings suggest that C5b-9 formation resulting from proteinuria contributes to the loss of nephron function by damaging the tubulointerstitium and that prevention of C5b-9 formation in tubules could slow the deterioration of renal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nangaku
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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57
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Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that directly responsible for the rate of progression of glomerular disease are specific positive (cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases) and negative (cyclin-kinase inhibitors) cell cycle regulatory proteins. The challenge for nephrologists is to determine which ones are expressed in renal disease and their precise role in glomerular cell proliferation, hypertrophy and differentiation. Ultimately the goal is to find ever more appropriate therapeutic strategies to arrest or prevent progressive renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Shankland
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
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58
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Shankland SJ, Pippin JW, Couser WG. Complement (C5b-9) induces glomerular epithelial cell DNA synthesis but not proliferation in vitro. Kidney Int 1999; 56:538-48. [PMID: 10432393 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.1999.00560.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The C5b-9 membrane attack complex of complement is the principal mediator of injury induced experimentally by antibodies directed at glomerular cell membranes. In experimental membranous nephropathy, C5b-9 induced injury to the glomerular visceral epithelial cell (VEC) is associated with DNA synthesis, but not cytokinesis. In the current study we determined if C5b-9 increases DNA synthesis in VEC in vitro, and defined the mechanisms involved. METHODS Rat VEC in vitro were divided into three groups: (1) sensitized with anti-VEC antibody and exposed to sublytic concentrations of C +/PVG serum (normal complement components); (2) anti-VEC antibody and control C-/PVG serum (C6 deficient); (3) no anti-VEC antibody. DNA synthesis (BrdU staining), mitosis (mitotic figures) and cytokinesis (cell counts) were measured at 24 and 48 hours. To examine the expression of specific S-phase and M-phase cell cycle regulatory proteins and their inhibitors, immunostaining and Western blot analysis was performed for cyclin A, CDK2, p21 and p27, cyclin B and cdc2. RESULTS In the absence of growth factors, sublytic C5b-9 attack did not increase proliferation. In contrast, sublytic C5b-9 attack (group 1) augmented growth factor induced DNA synthesis by 50% compared to controls (groups 2 and 3; P < 0.001), and was accompanied by increased levels of cyclin A and CDK2, and a decrease in the cyclin kinase inhibitor p27 (but not p21). Sublytic C5b-9 attack reduced the expression of the M phase cell cycle proteins, cyclin B and cdc2, accompanied by reduced mitosis (mitotic figures) and cytokinesis (cell number). CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the C5b-9 augmented growth factor entry into the S phase in VEC is regulated by changes in specific cell cycle regulatory proteins. However, antibody and complement decreased the M phase cell cycle proteins, and prevented VEC mitosis and cytokinesis, suggesting a delay or arrest at the G2/M phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Shankland
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.
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59
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Alexander JJ, Lim A, He C, MacDonald RL, Holers VM, Quigg RJ. Renal, central nervous system and pancreatic overexpression of recombinant soluble Crry in transgenic mice. A novel means of protection from complement-mediated injury. IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY 1999; 42:245-54. [PMID: 10408385 DOI: 10.1016/s0162-3109(99)00010-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Crry is a potent complement regulator that inhibits classical and alternative pathway C3 convertases in rodents. We have produced transgenic animals expressing Crry as a recombinant soluble protein driven by the broadly active metallothionein-I promoter. These animals have high serum and urinary levels of rsCrry leading to inhibition of complement activity. In nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NSN), injected antibodies bind to glomeruli, leading to complement activation and subsequent glomerular injury and albuminuria. We have shown that rsCrry can block such injury and reduce albuminuria by as much as 75%. Corresponding to the reduction in albuminuria was the complete absence of C3 staining in glomeruli by immunofluorescence microscopy in 17/20 transgene positive animals. Support for a local source of protective rsCrry in this model is provided by the demonstration of Crry transgene mRNA in the glomerulus and a very high fractional excretion of rsCrry in the urine. Therefore, rsCrry expression markedly ameliorates an antibody-induced disease model in vivo. In addition, local synthesis of Crry in other organs that are targets of immune injury has been found. For example, Crry transgene mRNA is present throughout the central nervous system and in pancreatic islets. Thus, continuous complement inhibition at the C3 convertase step appears to be feasible and is effective in complement-mediated injury states. A number of disease models affecting these target organs can be tested using these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Alexander
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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60
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Abstract
Abstract
Defensins are small, cationic antimicrobial peptides that are present in the azurophilic granules of neutrophils. Earlier studies have shown that defensins may influence complement activation by specific interaction with activated C1, C1q, and C1-inhibitor. In the present study, we show that the defensin human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1) is able to inhibit activation of the classical complement pathway by inhibition of C1q hemolytic activity. The binding site for HNP-1 on C1q is most likely located on the collagen-like stalks, as a clear, dose-dependent binding of HNP-1 to either intact C1q or to the collagen-like stalks of C1q was demonstrated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides binding of HNP-1 to C1q, also a limited binding to C1 and to a mixture of C1r and C1s was observed, whereas no binding to C1-inhibitor was found. Because binding of HNP-1 to C1-inhibitor has been suggested in earlier studies, we also assessed the binding of HNP-1 to mixtures of C1-inhibitor with either C1r/ C1s or C1. No binding was found. Using a competition ELISA, it was found that HNP-1, but not protamine, inhibited binding of biotin-labeled HNP-1 to C1q in a dose-dependent fashion. In the fluid phase, preincubation of HNP-1 with C1q resulted in complex formation of HNP-1 and C1q and generation of stable complexes. In conclusion, HNP-1 is able to bind to C1q in the fluid phase and inhibits the classical complement pathway. This mechanism may be involved in the control of an inflammatory response in vivo.
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61
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Abstract
Defensins are small, cationic antimicrobial peptides that are present in the azurophilic granules of neutrophils. Earlier studies have shown that defensins may influence complement activation by specific interaction with activated C1, C1q, and C1-inhibitor. In the present study, we show that the defensin human neutrophil peptide-1 (HNP-1) is able to inhibit activation of the classical complement pathway by inhibition of C1q hemolytic activity. The binding site for HNP-1 on C1q is most likely located on the collagen-like stalks, as a clear, dose-dependent binding of HNP-1 to either intact C1q or to the collagen-like stalks of C1q was demonstrated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Besides binding of HNP-1 to C1q, also a limited binding to C1 and to a mixture of C1r and C1s was observed, whereas no binding to C1-inhibitor was found. Because binding of HNP-1 to C1-inhibitor has been suggested in earlier studies, we also assessed the binding of HNP-1 to mixtures of C1-inhibitor with either C1r/ C1s or C1. No binding was found. Using a competition ELISA, it was found that HNP-1, but not protamine, inhibited binding of biotin-labeled HNP-1 to C1q in a dose-dependent fashion. In the fluid phase, preincubation of HNP-1 with C1q resulted in complex formation of HNP-1 and C1q and generation of stable complexes. In conclusion, HNP-1 is able to bind to C1q in the fluid phase and inhibits the classical complement pathway. This mechanism may be involved in the control of an inflammatory response in vivo.
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62
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Abstract
Complement deposition in the injured kidney is common, especially in glomerulonephritis. The precise role of the complement system in the mediation of tissue injury in the kidney has been defined in recent years, and this has assumed extra importance with the recent development of specific forms of therapy directed at the complement pathway. As well as the induction of cell lysis, complement has many subtle effects on cell biology, particularly on endothelial cells. Complement components are produced locally in the kidney. Detailed studies of certain rare forms of nephritis have provided evidence that complement activation can directly cause tissue injury. Appreciation of the importance of complement in hyperacute rejection of xenotransplants has given new impetus to the development of complement inhibitors. A narrative review is provided, with a brief overview of the complement pathway and its regulatory mechanisms, mechanisms of complement-induced tissue injury, local complement production, and the renal consequences of complement dysregulation. Currently available forms of therapy aimed at the complement system are reviewed, and possible future therapeutic strategies are suggested. The complement system plays a direct causal role in tissue injury in certain forms of renal disease. Specific forms of therapy are becoming available that can selectively interrupt complement activation or promote its regulation. Much of the drive for the development of these therapies comes from the field of xenotransplantation, but these forms of therapy should also be tested in various primary renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P W Mathieson
- Academic Renal Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, England, United Kingdom.
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63
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Abstract
BACKGROUND While the association of complement activation and glomerulonephritis has been recognized for decades, the pathogenic mechanisms of complement-mediated glomerular damage are incompletely understood. Expression of the C5a receptor in the kidney suggests that C5a could play a direct role in initiating or promoting glomerulonephritis. METHODS Expression of the C5a receptor by cultured human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMC) was examined by immunofluorescence, by FACS analysis and by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Potential mitogenic effects were examined by analysis of neutral red dye uptake after treatment with recombinant C5a (rC5a). The production of cytokines [interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)] and growth factors [transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AB)] by mesangial cells stimulated with rC5a was examined by ELISA of cell culture supernatants. RESULTS Expression of the C5a receptor by the cultured HGMC was demonstrated by both immunofluorescence and FACS. The presence of mRNA encoding the receptor was confirmed by RT-PCR. Treatment of HGMC in vitro with rC5a resulted in mild cellular proliferation. No IL-1 was detected despite stimulation with up to 100 nM rC5a. Concentrations of IL-8 and TGF-beta did not increase beyond basal levels in control samples at any level of stimulation. Mean MCP-1 concentrations and PDGF-AB concentrations increased by 40% and 70% above control values 48 hours post-stimulation (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the C5a receptor is expressed on HGMC in vitro, and may play a role in mediating glomerular injury by promoting cellular proliferation and the production of cytokines and growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Braun
- Division of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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64
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Abstract
Complement activation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of many forms of glomerulonephritis. Complement activation leads to tissue injury through various mechanisms including the generation of chemotactic factors and activation of the resident glomerular cells following C5b-9 insertion. Recent advances have disclosed the mechanisms of regulation of complement activation by discovery of a number of complement regulatory proteins. Decay accelerating factor (DAF), membrane cofactor protein (MCP), and complement receptor type 1 (CR1) act by inactivating C3/C5 convertase. They belong to the gene superfamily known as the regulators of complement activation (RCA), and share a common structural motif called a short consensus repeat (SCR). In contrast, CD59 works by inhibiting formation of C5b-9. The glomerulus is particularly well endowed with these membrane-bound complement regulatory proteins. DAF, MCP, and CD59 are ubiquitously expressed by all three resident glomerular cells, while CR1 is localized exclusively in podocytes. Expression of complement regulatory proteins can be changed by many factors including complement attack itself, and their expression levels are affected in various glomerular disorders. Studies utilizing cultured glomerular cells and animal models of glomerular diseases suggest important protective roles of complement regulatory proteins against immune-mediated renal injury. Recent progress in molecular biological techniques has made new therapeutic strategy feasible. Systemic administration of soluble recombinant complement regulatory proteins and local overexpression of complement regulatory proteins are promising therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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65
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Quigg RJ, He C, Lim A, Berthiaume D, Alexander JJ, Kraus D, Holers VM. Transgenic mice overexpressing the complement inhibitor crry as a soluble protein are protected from antibody-induced glomerular injury. J Exp Med 1998; 188:1321-31. [PMID: 9763611 PMCID: PMC2212499 DOI: 10.1084/jem.188.7.1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/1998] [Revised: 07/02/1998] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Complement receptor 1-related gene/protein y (Crry) is a potent murine membrane complement regulator that inhibits classical and alternative pathway C3 convertases. In nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis, injected antibodies (Abs) bind to glomeruli, leading to complement activation and subsequent glomerular injury and albuminuria. To study the phenotypic effects of continuous complement pathway blockade, transgenic mice were created that express recombinant soluble (rs) Crry directed by the broadly active and heavy metal-inducible metallothionein-I promoter. One transgenic line expressing high levels of rsCrry was propagated. Serum rsCrry levels were 18.7 +/- 2.7 microg/ml (n = 5) at basal level and increased to 118.1 +/- 20.6 microg/ml 4 d after addition of zinc to the drinking water. By reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), transgene messenger (m)RNA was present in liver, kidney, brain, lung, and spleen, but not in heart. By in situ RT-PCR analysis of kidneys, transgene mRNA was widely expressed both in renal glomeruli and tubules. Urinary excretion of rsCrry was 113.4 +/- 22.4 microg/ml with a fractional excretion relative to creatinine of 13.2 +/- 2.7%, consistent with local renal production of rsCrry and secretion into urine. The founder and all transgene positive adult animals have remained healthy with no mortality or apparent phenotypic abnormalities, including infection or immune complex disease. To determine whether rsCrry blocked complement-mediated injury, NTS nephritis was induced by injection of NTS immunoglobulin (Ig)G, followed by an 18-h urine collection to quantitate the excretion of albumin as a measure of glomerular injury. In transgene-negative littermates (n = 15), transgene-positive animals (n = 10), and transgene-positive animals fed zinc (n = 10), albuminuria was 4,393 +/- 948, 1,783 +/- 454, and 1,057 +/- 277 microg/mg creatinine, respectively (P < 0.01 by ANOVA). Glomerular C3 was evident by immunofluorescence staining in 12/15 transgene-negative animals, but in none of the transgene-positive animals fed zinc. Thus, we have produced the first transgenic animals that overexpress a soluble C3 convertase inhibitor. rsCrry expression markedly ameliorates an Ab-induced disease model in vivo. These results support the hypothesis that continuous complement inhibition at the C3 convertase step is feasible and effective in complement-mediated injury states.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Quigg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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66
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Quigg RJ, Lim A, Haas M, Alexander JJ, He C, Carroll MC. Immune complex glomerulonephritis in C4- and C3-deficient mice. Kidney Int 1998; 53:320-30. [PMID: 9461092 DOI: 10.1046/j.1523-1755.1998.00723.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the roles of C4 and C3 in immune complex glomerulonephritis by actively immunizing C4-deficient (C4 -/-), C3 deficient (C3 -/-) and wild-type mice with apoferritin. Wild-type animals with an intact complement system produced anti-apoferritin IgG and IgM antibodies, and developed mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis characterized by hypercellularity, matrix expansion, deposition of IgG, IgM, IgA and C3, and the presence of electron dense deposits. In the majority of animals, the peripheral capillaries also contained IgG, C3 and subendothelial and subepithelial electron dense deposits. In contrast to wild-type animals, all apoferritin-immunized C4 -/- and C3 -/- mice had serum cryoprecipitates containing polyclonal IgM and the variable presence of polyclonal IgG. These animals also developed immune complex glomerulonephritis, but their disease manifestations were distinctly different from that of their wild-type littermates. In apoferritin-immunized C4 -/- and C3 -/- mice, IgG was either absent or present in reduced quantities in glomeruli, yet IgM and IgA were present in greater intensity in glomeruli. Capillary wall IgG deposits were absent in all C4 -/- and C3 -/- animals. C4 -/- animals also had significant glomerular C3 deposition, hypercellularity and neutrophil infiltration, which were not present in C3 -/- animals. These results illustrate the complex interplay between the effects of complement to process immune complexes and to lead to inflammation and tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Quigg
- Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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67
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Nangaku M, Alpers CE, Pippin J, Shankland SJ, Kurokawa K, Adler S, Johnson RJ, Couser WG. Renal microvascular injury induced by antibody to glomerular endothelial cells is mediated by C5b-9. Kidney Int 1997; 52:1570-8. [PMID: 9407502 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1997.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We have recently developed a model of thrombotic microangiopathy with injury to the glomerular endothelial cell (GEN) induced by heterologous antibody to rat GEN. In addition to GEN injury rats developed glomerular platelet aggregation and fibrin deposition, acute renal failure, and acute tubular necrosis with interstitial inflammation. To study the role of complement in mediating this lesion, we induced the disease in normal complement PVG rats and measured the effects of generalized complement depletion with cobra venom factor (CVF) and of selective C6 deficiency using genetically C6 deficient PVG animals. Complement sufficient rats developed severe endothelial injury accompanied by platelet aggregation, fibrin deposition, decrease in endothelial cells assessed by antibody staining in the glomerulus, and macrophage infiltration. These changes were associated with marked reduction in renal function. These features were either absent or markedly diminished in complement depleted or C6 deficient rats. This demonstrates that C5b-9, the terminal product of activation of the complement cascade, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this immune renal microvascular endothelial injury model. Thus, the complement system may play a pathogenic role in renal microvascular diseases such as thrombotic microangiopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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68
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JOHNSON RJ, SHANKLAND SJ, HUGO C, PICHLER RH, NANGAKU M, McCLARRINON M, OPHASCHAROENSUK V, ZACHEM C, KUAN CJEN, THOMAS SE, MEEK R, COUSER WG. The mesangial response to injury: Mechanisms of progression and repair. Nephrology (Carlton) 1997. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1797.1997.tb00277.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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COUSER WG, NANGAKU M, SHANKLAND SJ, JOHNSON RJ. Molecular mechanisms of experimental glomerulonephritis: an overview. Nephrology (Carlton) 1997. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1797.1997.tb00276.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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70
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Shankland SJ, Floege J, Thomas SE, Nangaku M, Hugo C, Pippin J, Henne K, Hockenberry DM, Johnson RJ, Couser WG. Cyclin kinase inhibitors are increased during experimental membranous nephropathy: potential role in limiting glomerular epithelial cell proliferation in vivo. Kidney Int 1997; 52:404-13. [PMID: 9263996 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1997.347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The inadequate proliferative response of the visceral glomerular epithelial cell (GEC) following injury in vivo may contribute to the development of progressive glomerulosclerosis in many forms of glomerular disease. Cell proliferation is ultimately controlled by cell-cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclins that bind to cyclin dependent kinases (CDK), and the active complex formed is necessary for progression through the cell-cycle. By inhibiting cyclin-CDK complexes, cyclin kinase inhibitors arrest the cell-cycle and prevent proliferation. To determine the mechanisms that may be responsible for the lack of GEC proliferation in vivo, we examined GEC expression of specific cell-cycle proteins in normal rats and in the passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) model of membranous nephropathy, where the GEC are the target of complement-mediated injury. Following antibody deposition and complement activation there was a marked up-regulation in the cyclin kinase inhibitors p21 and p27 in rats with PHN. By associating with cyclin A-CDK2 complexes, p21 and p27 limited the kinase activity of CDK2. Giving bFGF to rats with PHN was associated with an increase in GEC mitosis and ploidy and a decrease in expression of p21, but not CDK2 or p27. Furthermore, apoptosis was not present in PHN, but was increased in rats given bFGF. In conclusion, this study shows that the low proliferative capacity of the GEC in vivo in response to immune injury may be due to an increase in the expression of specific cyclin kinase inhibitors. The increase in mitosis in PHN rats given bFGF may be due to a decrease in p21. Thus, changes in cell cycle regulatory proteins may regulate the response of GEC to injury and underlie the development of progressive glomerulosclerosis in diseases of the GEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Shankland
- Department of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
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71
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Timmerman JJ, van Dixhoorn MG, Schraa EO, van Gijlswijk-Janssen DJ, Muizert Y, Van ES LA, Daha MR. Extrahepatic C6 is as effective as hepatic C6 in the generation of renal C5b-9 complexes. Kidney Int 1997; 51:1788-96. [PMID: 9186868 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1997.246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In order to study the contribution of extrahepatic C6 to anti-Thy1.1 nephritis, C6 deficient PVG/c- livers were grafted in C6 sufficient PVG/c+ rats (Tx-L). Infusion of anti-Thy1.1 antibodies in Tx-L and PVG/c+ rats resulted in generation of C5b-9 complexes and subsequent glomerular injury, while infusion of anti-Thy1.1 antibodies in PVG/c- rats revealed no detectable C6 deposition. Because C6 mRNA was expressed in both liver and kidney tissue of PVG/c+ rats, we assessed whether production of C6 in the kidney alone was sufficient for glomerular injury. One kidney of a PVG/c- rat was replaced with a PVG/c+ kidney (Tx + K) followed by administration of anti-Thy1.1 antibodies. C6 deposits were detectable neither in PVG/c+ kidneys nor in PVG/c- kidneys of Tx + K rats, indicating that C6 production in PVG/c+ kidneys alone is not sufficient to contribute to renal injury. That C6 production had occurred was suggested by the presence of equal amounts C6 mRNA in control PVG/c+ kidneys and in grafted PVG/c+ kidneys of Tx + K rats. C6 mRNA expression in kidney tissue of PVG/c+ rats is presumably derived from peritubular sites. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that extrahepatic, but not renal synthesis of, C6 is sufficient to contribute to glomerular injury during anti-Thy1.1 nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Timmerman
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Leiden, The Netherlands
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72
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Nangaku M, Pippin J, Richardson CA, Schulze M, Young BA, Alpers CE, Gordon KL, Johnson RJ, Couser WG. Beneficial effects of systemic immunoglobulin in experimental membranous nephropathy. Kidney Int 1996; 50:2054-62. [PMID: 8943490 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1996.529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that systemic administration of immunoglobulin might reduce glomerular injury in membranous nephropathy through mechanisms involving inhibition of complement activation, we studied the passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) model of membranous nephropathy in rats. The daily administration of immunoglobulin goat IgG (600 mg/kg i.p.) reduced proteinuria by 52%. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis showed that the glomerular deposition of C3c, an indicator of ongoing complement attack, and of C5b-9 was significantly decreased in the immunoglobulin treated group, while deposition of anti-Fx1A was not affected. Electron microscopic analysis demonstrated that the extent of subepithelial immune complexes did not appreciably differ between treated and control animals. Systemic complement levels were not altered by immunoglobulin treatment. These data suggest that the reduction in proteinuria that resulted from systemic immunoglobulin administration was mediated by modifying the effect of complement induced glomerular injury. This interpretation was further supported by in vitro data that documented a significant reduction in C5b-9 induced glomerular epithelial cell lysis in the presence of both goat and rat IgG. These results indicate that systemic administration of immunoglobulin can substantially reduce ongoing complement activation in the glomerulus in PHN rats and that this effect is associated with a significant reduction in glomerular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nangaku
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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73
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Nangaku M, Meek RL, Pippin J, Gordon KL, Morgan BP, Johnson RJ, Couser WG. Transfected CD59 protects mesangial cells from injury induced by antibody and complement. Kidney Int 1996; 50:257-66. [PMID: 8807596 DOI: 10.1038/ki.1996.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
CD59 is a complement regulatory protein on the glomerular cells that inhibits C5b-9 assembly and insertion. We employed an overexpression strategy to determine the functional significance of CD59 in mesangial cells. We made a CD59 expression vector tagged with FLAG utilizing site-directed mutagenesis and PCR, which allows transfected CD59 to be distinguished from the constitutively expressed protein. In stable clones, overexpressed CD59 was clearly detected immunocytochemically both by anti-FLAG and anti-CD59 antibody in a granular pattern. The overexpression of CD59 was also confirmed by Western blotting. To determine if overexpression of CD59 by mesangial cells protected these cells from C5b-9 attack, we performed complement-mediated cell lysis assays. CD59-transfected mesangial cells demonstrated marked resistance to complement-mediated cell lysis which was reversed in the presence of antibody to CD59. We also investigated the role of CD59 in protecting cells from the effects of membrane insertion of sublytic quantities of C5b-9. Overexpressed CD59 suppressed production of superoxide, one of the inflammatory mediators induced by sublytic C5b-9 attack. These results demonstrate directly that transfected CD59 functions as a potent protector of mesangial cells against both lytic and sublytic attack by C5b-9. CD59 may be an important regulator of complement-mediated disease in the glomerular mesangium.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nangaku
- Division of Nephrology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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